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Writer's pictureThe Meat Chop

What is Halal?

Updated: Jan 5, 2023

Halal food is always a topic of interest among Muslim and non-Muslim societies.



It's always been a controversial and often misunderstood subject matter in non-Muslim countries. The United Kingdom is a home to different cultures. People here have different values and beliefs. As a Muslim society in the UK (12.5%), it's imperative to have basic knowledge about Halal food? What are its benefits? Where to buy Halal meat in the UK?


Word "Halal" originates from the Arabic language and means allowed or permitted under Islamic law. It is the opposite word for "Haram", which means a thing, action, food-restricted or prohibited in Islam.

If you are a Muslim and live in a non-Muslim country like the UK or America, it will be a problem for finding Halal food. You must know about the Halal meat points and different Halal meat products in the UK. Some meat dishes like Wagyu and beef steaks are commonly consumed in other countries, and you can get them quickly from different food points. But the issue is to find Halal Wagyu or Halal steaks from a trustable source.


"Is this Wagyu Halal?"

I am sure this question pops up in your mind a thousand times whenever you visit any restaurant in the UK.

Well, it's not only you who are concerned about this matter, but hundreds of customers ask the same question to restaurant owners or management. Even a restaurant team receives plenty of queries daily regarding this matter.

Wagyu is a Japanese cattle meat and is rich in saturated fats due to its intra-muscular fat marbling. It can be Halal or Haram depending on the slaughtering method. If Wagyu is labelled as "100% Halal" and the restaurant/supplier can verify this, you should consume it without worrying. People living in the UK, especially the Muslim society, are concerned about their favourite Halal steaks.





Benefits of Halal Food

Halal foods offer several benefits that support a healthy lifestyle. It plays an essential role in disease prevention and health promotion. Method of processing animals in the name of the Lord and reciting specific verses at slaughtering impart countless benefits to that food. Even non-Muslims believe in the purity and healthful nature of Halal food.

Both Muslims and non-Muslims can get benefits from them. Following are some positive health outcomes of Halal foods:


1. It's hygienic and safe to consume

Halal food/meat goes through specific guidelines and safety measures during preparation. Cattle or other animals raised for Halal food are grown differently compared with those that are haram. Such animals do not get alcohol, chemical, and antibiotics as feed. The reason is that such animals are nourished in proper sanitation and cleanliness.

Unhygienic conditions in which an animal is raised make meat undesirable and unhealthy, and it also becomes vulnerable to microbiological bacteria.


2. Halal meat tastes better

Hygienic conditions and removal of blood from meat cuts make it more tender, soft and fresh. Blood in meat cuts causes them to rot earlier and decreases their gentle taste. Halal steaks and Wagyu hold essential amino acids and minerals that enhance food's nutritional content and specific flavours and aroma.


3. Improve metabolism and overall health

Halal food prepared under the best quality conditions plays a vital role in making your body healthy and strong. A healthy body and active body organs will maintain the metabolism required for sound health and fight against several diseases. Metabolism helps boost the immune system and defend the body against pathogens and foodborne illnesses.


4. Fewer chances of contamination of meat

Halal food is safe and free from animal blood and some unwanted chunks. Islamic slaughter is adamant that blood is wholly drawn from carcasses to produce healthier and fresh meat free from bacterial contamination. Chances of toxins and other harmful chemicals decrease in this situation, and the meat becomes safe for human consumption.


5. It brings mental peace and reduces stress

All the animals are grown in fully hygienic conditions and treated with care and respect. No animal is allowed to slaughter in front of other animals, which can cause fear and release stress hormones in other animals' bodies. Therefore, Halal meat is free from stress hormones that can change meat quality.


6. It improves the immune system

Halal meat is free from toxins and hazardous chemicals. Good quality meat is a highly biological protein that helps build body muscles and other structures, including antibodies and hormones.

Antibodies are part of your immune system and fight against pathogens and other microorganisms.


Conclusion

Halal meat is based on the Islamic rules of slaughtering animals for human consumption. Being a resident of the UK, it's a matter of concern to get Halal steaks and Wagyu. But countless Halal food points in the United Kingdom offer you the best quality Halal foods. Foods that are Halal and fulfill all the requirements contain various health benefits, including improved digestion, decreased chances of chronic illness and anxiety and boosted immune system.


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