Mutton, like other red meats, is harder to digest primarily due to its protein composition and fat content.
Here's a breakdown of the reasons:
-
Complex Protein Structure: The protein found in red meat, including mutton, has a complex structure that requires more effort and time for the body to break down. This is in contrast to proteins found in plant-based foods or even white meats like chicken and fish, which are generally easier to digest.
-
High Fat Content: Mutton typically has a higher fat content compared to leaner meats. Fat digestion requires bile, produced by the liver, and takes longer than carbohydrate or protein digestion. High-fat meals slow down gastric emptying, meaning food remains in the stomach longer. This can lead to feelings of bloating, fullness, and discomfort.
-
Collagen Content: Mutton often contains a significant amount of collagen, a tough connective tissue. While cooking can break down some collagen, it still requires substantial digestive effort.
In summary, the complex proteins, high fat content, and collagen present in mutton contribute to its difficulty in digestion.