Kangaroo Meat

Kangaroos have been hunted and killed by the Indigenous Australians for hundreds of years. For years Aboriginal Australians have relied on kangaroo as a source of protein in their diet. Approximately 3% of Australia's 50 million kangaroos are commercially harvested each year and around 70% of that are exported to 55 countries worldwide.


For non-indigenous Australians however, kangaroo was legalised for human consumption in 1980 in South Australia, and only the rest of Australia in 1993. It has become a popular choice of food for many locals, tourists and foreigners. The meat is well known for its high amounts of protein and zinc while containing little to no fats and saturated fats. It is said to be 'naturally nutrient rich' according to Australian nutritionist and dietitian, Rosemary Stanton.

"Extremely low in fat, kangaroo meat has virtually no saturated fat. Its levels of protein and zinc are similar to those of other meats, but it has more iron, twice as much vitamin B12 and higher levels of most other B vitamins."

http://scoopnutrition.com/2013/10/should-we-be-skipping-for-nutrition-joy-over-kangaroo-meat-by-guest-expert-jade-ashby/ (Rosemary Stanton wrote in her book Best Health Foods, Australian Food Guide).



http://scoopnutrition.com/2013/10/should-we-be-skipping-for-nutrition-joy-over-kangaroo-meat-by-guest-expert-jade-ashby/

On the other hand, some scientists believe kangaroo meat may not be as healthy as people may think. According to certain studies, it has been discovered that a compound called L-carnitine can be found in the meat and may be related to the cause of heart attacks and strokes. According to John Funder a Professor of Medicine at Monash University:

"Kangaroos have more L-carnitine per gram than any other red meat."

http://scoopnutrition.com/2013/10/should-we-be-skipping-for-nutrition-joy-over-kangaroo-meat-by-guest-expert-jade-ashby/ (John Funder - Professor of Medicine at Monash University wrote in the article above)

However, the idea that kangaroo meat is unhealthy is still controversial as some studies show no ill effects from the consumption of this meat.

http://www.butcherman.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/kangaroo-meat.jpg