Eating horse meat has been a part of some cultures for centuries, with countries such as France and Japan including meat in their traditional dishes. But are there any potential health risks associated with consuming horse meat?
The answer to if you can eat horse meat basically depends on where you live. In countries like France, Belgium, and China, horse meat is considered a delicacy and is freely available in butchers and restaurants. On the other hand, in the United States, Canada, Australia, and many European countries, eating horse meat is largely forbidden by law.
In the United States, horses are routinely given hundreds of dangerous drugs both for medical and non-medical reasons.
Many horses in the US, especially race horses, are given steroids and other prohibited drugs in their everyday diets, to enhance performance levels on the track.
These same drugs render most of their meat unfit for human consumption.
The FDA does not monitor what horses consume so do not regulate the quality of meat.
Potential Health Risks of Eating Horse Meat
The potential health risks of eating horse meat depend on how it is prepared and stored. As horses are not raised for food in most countries, there is a risk that the animal may have been exposed to certain medications or veterinary products that can be toxic if ingested.
If the meat is properly prepared and stored, it can be a nutritious source of protein that is low in fat. On the other hand, if the meat is not handled properly or cooked thoroughly, it can carry harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause diseases such as salmonella and trichinosis.
Nutritional Profile of Horse Meat
In terms of nutritional value, horse meat is similar to beef or lamb. It is an excellent source of protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and niacin.
It does contain higher levels of cholesterol than other meats so it should be consumed in moderation for those with cholesterol issues.
Horse meat is one of the leanest meats available; it contains almost no fat and very low levels of cholesterol compared to other meats like beef or pork. It also provides an abundance of vitamin B12 which helps keep your energy levels high throughout the day as well as zinc for healthy skin and hair growth.
As an added bonus, it’s rich in iron which makes it an ideal food source for those who suffer from anemia due to iron deficiency.
Ethical concerns
In addition to potential health risks associated with consuming horse meat, there are also ethical concerns about the practice as well.
As horses are often seen as companion animals rather than livestock animals by many people around the world, some consider eating them cruel and unnecessary.
There are also concerns about the treatment of horses that are raised for meat – many people argue that they should be treated with the same respect as other farm animals and that they should not be subjected to harsh living conditions or violent slaughter methods.
With this in mind, it’s important to consider both the potential health benefits and ethical concerns before deciding whether or not to include horse meat in your diet.
Final Thoughts
Eating horse meat can be safe when purchased from a reputable source and consumed in moderation due to its higher levels of fat and cholesterol compared to other meats like beef or pork.
There are however ethical issues to consider before making the decision to consume this type of meat.
Whether or not you include horse meat in your diet is a personal decision, just be aware that depending on where you live, it may not be allowed and could come with a variety of health risks.
