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A pale pinkish-beige sheep brain with two joined, rounded lobes and fine, tightly folded ridges across its moist surface, resting on a plain plate.
●Low GI

Sheep brain Calories

Very high in cholesterol, rich in vitamin B12 and selenium organ meat

CALORIES · 100 G

123kcal

GI

0low

POTASSIUM · 100 G

274mg

FIBER · 100 G

0g

Quick answer

1 piece (medium) of Sheep brain (120 g) has 148 calories. That works out to 123 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.8 g of carbs, 12.7 g of protein, 10.3 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 12 µg of B12 covers 500% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

Sheep brain Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 piece (medium) · 120 g

148

KCAL / 120G

Carbs

1.8g

· 1% DV

Protein

12.7g

· 25% DV

Fat

10.3g

· 13% DV

Fiber

0g

· 0% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 5% · Protein 34% · Fat 61%

Sheep brain nutrition facts table · 1 piece (medium) (120 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories148 kcal
Total fat10.3 g13%
Saturated fat2.64 g13%
Trans fat0.12 g
Sodium151 mg7%
Total carbohydrate1.8 g1%
Fiber0 g0%
Protein12.7 g25%

Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.

Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.

Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.

Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

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How Many Calories in 1 Medium Sheep brain?

ServingAmountCalories
1 piece (medium)120 g148 kcal
0.25 piece (quarter)30 g37 kcal
½ piece (half)60 g74 kcal
1 piece (small)80 g98 kcal
100 g100 g123 kcal
1 serving (medium)100 g123 kcal
1 serving (large)150 g185 kcal
1 piece (large)160 g197 kcal

Calculated from 123 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sheep brain

How do you cook sheep brain?

Sheep brain is commonly simmered gently until cooked, then served as is, added to a salad, or coated lightly and pan-fried. Handle it carefully because the soft tissue breaks apart easily, and cook it thoroughly rather than serving it raw.

What does sheep brain taste like?

Sheep brain has a mild, savory flavor and a soft, creamy texture, often compared with other delicate organ meats. Lemon, herbs, and spices complement it; frying gives the outside a firmer texture while the inside stays tender.

How do you clean sheep brain before cooking?

Rinse sheep brain gently under cold running water and remove visible membranes or blood clots with your fingers. Avoid squeezing it, since the tissue is fragile. Wash your hands and clean knives and work surfaces after handling it raw.

Is sheep brain safe to eat?

Yes, sheep brain can be eaten when it is fresh, handled hygienically, and cooked thoroughly. Do not taste it raw or let its juices touch ready-to-eat foods; keep it cold before cooking and clean any equipment that contacts it.

How is sheep brain served in traditional dishes?

Sheep brain is eaten in various cuisines, including boiled or fried preparations and chilled salads with herbs and lemon. It is usually served as a small savory dish or appetizer; the exact seasonings and accompaniments vary by region.

Can you fry sheep brain without boiling it first?

You can fry sheep brain directly, but its delicate texture makes it difficult to handle and cook evenly. Briefly simmering it first helps it firm up and makes the membranes easier to remove; coat it lightly before frying if desired.

Is sheep brain high in cholesterol?

Yes, sheep brain is very high in cholesterol. If you have high blood cholesterol or have been advised to limit dietary cholesterol, keep portions modest and ask your clinician or dietitian how it fits your eating plan.

Can you eat sheep brain raw?

No, sheep brain should not be eaten raw. Raw animal tissue can carry harmful microbes, and cooking it thoroughly is the safer choice. Keep raw brain separate from other foods and wash hands and utensils after preparation.

Can sheep brain be frozen?

Yes, sheep brain can be frozen while fresh in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe package. Thaw it in the refrigerator, cook it soon after thawing, and do not refreeze it once thawed.

How should you store cooked sheep brain?

Refrigerate cooked sheep brain in a covered container once it has cooled, keeping it separate from raw meat. Reheat it thoroughly before serving, and discard it if it has been left out for an extended period or smells off.

Sheep brain Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

12µg · 500% DV

B3

7.2mg · 45% DV

Biotin

9.6µg · 32% DV

B5

1.32mg · 26% DV

Minerals

Phosphorus

360mg · 51% DV

Selenium

22µg · 40% DV

Copper

0.14mg · 16% DV

Zinc

1.2mg · 11% DV

Potassium ⭐

329mg · 10% DV

Sodium

151mg · 7% DV

Sheep brain Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

0
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

0
Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Sheep brain

To burn the 148 calories in 1 piece (medium) (120 g):

🚶

37min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

15min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

20min

Cycling

🏊

17min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Sheep brain?

Sheep brain is edible organ meat, prepared in a range of food traditions rather than a single defining dish. It is often simmered or poached before being served, and may also be fried or added to a cooked dish. The texture is soft and delicate, almost creamy, with a mild, distinctive offal flavour. In Turkey, it is commonly served as a lemony brain salad or as beyin tava, a fried meze; elsewhere, preparations vary by region.

It provides protein and is rich in vitamin B12 and selenium, while also being very high in cholesterol. For a lighter serving, poach it and pair it with herbs, lemon and a crisp salad instead of frying. Its flavour is concentrated, so a small portion alongside other dishes may suit first-time eaters.

How Nutritious Is Sheep brain?

Nutrient density

High

62/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

44/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Is Sheep brain Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Sheep brain Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free
Dairy free
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Sheep brain Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

✓ Suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Sheep brain Fat Profile

SATURATED

2.64g

MONOUNSATURATED

2.52g

POLYUNSATURATED

2.04g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 4.8:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (4.8:1).

Compare Sheep brain

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.