KUWAIT: Kuwait ranks the first among Arab countries where the most of amount of meat is consumed, according to recently published statistics by the Economist Magazine based on a study conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization( FAO ). It also occupies the 12th position worldwide in terms of meat consumption. The study showed that a person consumes an average of 97 kilograms of meat, and total consumption stands at 240,000 tons annually. The study also mentions that chicken is most-consumed meat in Kuwait.
Past studies indicate that frequent red meat consumption causes health complications. "Many people suffer from high cholesterol due to increased meat intake. It is also harmful for patients suffering from heart diseases and diabetes. Not only is it the main source of cholesterol, it is even more harmful when cooked with added fat. Chicken, a lean meat, is less harmful than red meat that contains the highest concentration of fats," explained Faten Gharzeddine, Head Dietitian at the Diet Center told Kuwait Times.
"I advise people to limit the intake of meat to one to two times a week and increase seafood consumption instead. People should choose the lean white meat from fish and chicken. They should remove chicken skin, and trim the fat on meat. The cooking method also matters. Chicken that fried is (skinless), will still contain a very high percentage of fat , thereby elevating cholesterol levels," she added.
Dana, a 28-year- old expat believes that meat consumption in her family is above average. "We eat meat every day. Actually, Arabic dishes are based on meat broth - both white and red meat. When compared to Canada where I spent a few years studying, I notice that meat is not consumed there as much. This might not be concerned to health, but more related to expenses, as meat prices are much higher there. In fact, I would prefer to eat less meat. But I have to share food with family when joining them for lunch or dinner," she pointed out.
Consumption of meat has increased worldwide, and Kuwait is no exception as well. "The consumption of meat is increasing every year. This is due to increasing population. Chicken is the most demanded meat. Its price has only increased once during this year," noted Abu Abdulrahman from Farwaniya Co-operative Society.
Abu Mohammed from Nuzha Co-operative Society agreed that the chicken meat is most preferred in their area. "Also, fast moving variety are minced meats. Local meat, or the imported and slaughtered locally are the most in demand. The prices are the same in all co-operative societies, and it has not increased recently.
The Arabic lamb is not sold here as it is very expensive. It is only sold in the meat market," he said.
Some people feel meat consumption is related to standard of living. "As Kuwait is a rich country and most people enjoy a high standard of living, so they can afford to buy meat, which is expensive. I do not eat meat every day because I am wary of the spoiled meat scare. I prefer to eat seafood. I eat more salads and vegetables, rather than eating meat," stressed Ibtisam, a 35-year- old citizen.
© Kuwait Times 2012
