Goat Brain: Uses As Food, Nutrition, Health Benefits

Goat brain is very popular in many countries around the world as food. It is very nutritious and you can try it if you haven’t yet. Brain of a goat is the most important organ inside a goat’s head. Brain helps to keep the goat active and decide what to do next. Actually, a brain is an organ that serves as the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals. Goat brain is located in the head, usually close to the sensory organs for senses such as vision. It is the most complex organ in a vertebrate’s body.

Goat Brain As Food

The goat brain can serve as nourishment, like most other internal organ meats. Different types of brains are considered a delicacy, in many cultures throughout the world. Brains of other animals used for nourishment include those of pigs, squirrels, rabbits, horses, cattle, monkeys, chickens, camels, fish, lamb, and goats.[1] Goat brain is used as food in many cultures around the world.

Nutritional Composition of Goat Brain

DHA is found concentrated in mammalian brains like goat, which is an important omega-3 fatty acid. The makeup of the brain is about 12% lipids, most of which are located in myelin (which itself is 70–80% fat). Specific fatty acid ratios will depend in part on the diet of the animal it is harvested from. The brain is also very high in cholesterol.

Is Goat Brain Healthy?

All types of organ meat of goat, including the brain are safe to eat. Actually, goat brains are also very nutritious. Many dishes are made using goat brain. For example, bheja masala and bheja fry are well-known delicacies in India. But many people have an aversion towards organ meat, especially the brain. Because it has a different texture and metallic taste. Some people think goat brain is unsafe to consume, because some organs also filter toxins. But as the brain is not a filtering organ, that should not be a cause for concern.

Actually, eating brain is no different than eating the flesh of the animal. A goat’s brain is full of essential nutrients such as iron and protein, but low in carbohydrates. The brain has a slight metallic taste, as it is rich in dietary minerals. If the taste bothers you, you can always mask it by using strong spices and flavorful ingredients. But there is a major disadvantage of adding goat brain in your diet, and that is high cholesterol. Goat’s brain is very high in cholesterol and has very high saturated fat content.

So, it’s very important that you eat goat brain in moderation and in small quantities. And avoid this food altogether if you have underlying health conditions such as high BP or cholesterol.

Goat Brain Cultural Consumption

Goat brain curry or fry is a delicacy in South India. Even in Mumbai, the local indigenous East Indian community has their own version of brain masala curry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some question and answers about goat brain. Hope these will help you.