DID YOU KNOW...?

Westwood Farm Lamb have had their first Environmental Health Inspection and following this they are very proud to have achieved a 5 star food hygiene rating.

We all know lamb tastes great - but did you know it's good for you, too? Naturally rich in protein and nutrients, there are plenty of benefits to eating lamb as part of a balanced diet. Here are just some of the reasons why lamb should feature on your shopping list. • Lamb is naturally rich in protein, which helps muscle growth and supports muscle mass • Protein is also needed for normal growth and development of children’s bones • Lamb naturally contains seven vitamins and minerals that support good health and wellbeing • Lamb provides four essential vitamins that help reduce tiredness and fatigue • Lamb is a source of four essential vitamins and minerals that help the immune system to work normally • Lamb provides five essential vitamins and minerals that support normal mental function. • Lamb is commonly included as a meat consumed in Mediterranean diets, which have repeatedly been shown to help lower risk of cardiovascular disease. • Grass-fed lamb is a significant source of omega-3 fats, a nutrient whose adequacy in the diet is associated with decreased risk of inflammation and possibly with reduced risk of heart disease. In addition, the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fats is far better in grass-fed lamb than in the average U.S. diet. • Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is found in variable amounts in grass-fed lamb. Increased intake of this nutrient has been associated with reduced inflammation and reduced body fat in some, but not all, research. • About 40% of the fat in grass-fed lamb comes from oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat. This type of fat (for which extra-virgin olive oil is lauded) has been associated with decreased risk of heart disease. • Grass-fed lamb is a very good source of selenium and a good source of zinc. Healthy intake of these minerals is a protective factor against oxidative stress because they are co-factors in important antioxidant enzyme systems. https://www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk/lamb-cuts/ *Consumer Focused Health Claims for Lamb, AHDB – February 2016, page 2

Westwood Farm Lamb would like to share some work that the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board AHDB have been involved in with regards to Red Meat and the Environment. The facts Red meat is not only important for a balanced diet - it has an important role in balanced, natural farming, too. AHDB have teamed up with the Meat Advisory Panel to provide some useful, fact-based messages to help you have positive, engaging conversations about agriculture, red meat and the environment. The UK is one of the most sustainable places in the world to produce beef and lamb. This is thanks to our climate and geography: • Grazing ruminants actually help manage permanent pasture as an effective carbon sink • Grazing cattle and sheep aid biodiversity and managing our unique countryside • Without grazing ruminants, more than 60% of agricultural land in the UK would be taken out of food production, because it is not suitable for cropping. https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/red-meat-and-the-environment https://weeatbalanced.com/can-you-explain-in-more-detail-how-livestock-farming-can-have-a-positive-impact-on-the-environment/

Do you want to know more about lamb and healthy eating? Have a look on www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk for more information and recipies for delicious dishes.

What is Lamb? A Lamb is classed as a lamb from birth to its first birthday. The meat from a Lamb is also called Lamb. What is Hogget? Classed as Hogget after 12 months of age, the meat from a sheep in its second year is commonly known as Hogget. What is Mutton? The meat from a sheep which is no longer producing lambs and is ready for the food chain. This meat can be referred to as Mutton. What is a Ewe? A female sheep who are caring mothers to their lambs. They develop deep bonds with their lambs from birth and can recognise their own lamb from birth and can recognise their own lamb from other lambs by their bleat alone. What is a Ram/Tup? A male sheep used for breeding. How to tell the age of a sheep? You can tell the age of a sheep by looking at its teeth. Every year until a sheep turns four years of age, it gets two more teeth. A one-year-old lamb has two teeth, and a two-year old sheep has four teeth. What us the lifespan of a sheep? Lifespan can be up to 11/12 years of age.