Comparative biochemical study on different types of red meat commonly consumed by Saudi population in Riyadh

ABSTRACT

Rred meat such as camel, cow, goat and sheep, contain many essential nutrients necessary for healthy growth and development of children, as well as for good health and well-being in adults. In the present work the biochemical characteristics of different types of meats commonly consumed in Saudi Arabia will be investigated in an attempt to determine their nutritive values. Levels of glutathione, vitamins C and E as important antioxidants were measured in the studied meat extracts. In addition, lipid peroxides, glycogen, cholesterol and nitric oxide were also measured. The data show that camel meat has the highest nutritive value being the richest with antioxidants and has the lowest levels of lipid peroxides and cholesterol. Variation in the different measured parameters in camel, goat, cow and sheep meats was discussed in relation to the low incidence of colorectal cancer and to the high rate of cardamom consumption in Saudi Arabian population