5+ Health & Nutrition Benefits of Bison Meat
Bison are an important part of North American culture and history, and they also have some interesting health benefits that set them apart from other types of beef. In this blog post, I share five of the surprising health benefits of bison meat.
Bison beef is lower in cholesterol than beef from other animals, and it is also high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Bison meat is a healthy alternative to beef for people who are looking for a leaner, healthier protein source.
History of Bison in United States
Bison are a type of beef cattle that are found on the North American prairies. They are related to European bison, or wisent, which are now extinct in the wild.
Bison were nearly driven to extinction in the late 19th century due to hunting and habitat loss. Thanks to conservation efforts, bison populations have rebounded in recent years, and they are now a common sight on ranches and farms across the country.
As a kid, I recall driving across the plains of Oklahoma and seeing large herds of Bison. They are formidable animals that are considered wild game in North America.
Bison Health Benefits
If you’re new to eating bison, you may wonder what unique health benefits there are, especially as compared with beef.
1. Great Protein Source
Bison meat is a great source of protein. In fact, a three-ounce serving of bison contains about 22 grams of protein, which is more than beef, pork, or chicken.
This high-quality protein that includes all of the essential amino acids can help you build muscle and lose weight.
2. Low in Cholesterol
Bison meat is also low in cholesterol.
A three-ounce serving of bison contains only 73 milligrams of cholesterol, while beef contains 95 milligrams of cholesterol per serving. Bison has less cholesterol than beef.
This makes bison a healthier alternative to beef for people who have to reduce their cholesterol intake.
3. Lots of Micronutrients
Bison meat is also high in essential nutrients including important minerals. A three-ounce serving of bison contains more than 100% of the daily value for vitamin B12, and it is a good source of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
Zinc is important for immune system health, iron helps carry oxygen to your cells, and B vitamins are essential for energy production.
4. Source of CLAs
Bison meat contains healthy fatty acids called conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs).
Some studies have shown that CLAs can help improve body composition, reduce belly fat, and increase muscle mass. CLAs are also thought to be beneficial for heart health, and they may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
5. Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are important nutrients that have many health benefits.
Grass-fed bison meat is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function.
The omega-3 fatty acids in bison meat can help improve heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease and inflammation. Omega-3 essential fatty acids can also help improve brain function by increasing cognitive function and preventing age-related memory loss.
What is the Flavor of Bison?
Bison meat is beefy and slightly sweet, with a rich, earthy flavor. It pairs well with savory herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Bison is also delicious when cooked slowly over low heat, such as in a stew or chili.
See below for some fantastic recipes using bison meat.
Cooking Bison
Bison can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, roasting, pan-frying, and slow cooking.
For the best results, cook bison slowly over low heat. This will ensure that the meat is tender and juicy.
Bison Recipes
- Ground Bison and Cauliflower Rice Bowls
- Bison Tacos
- Air Fryer Bison Burgers (just swap out ground bison for ground beef)
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Bison Bowl FAQs
Bison is widely available in the United States. Look for it in the meat department of your local grocery store. You can also find it at big box stores including Costco. There are also many small ranchers and meat delivery companies that sell frozen bison meat shipped to your doorstep.
It tastes very similar to that of grass-fed beef. Some people believe it has a sweeter flavor than beef. In a blind taste test, you would likely find it difficult to distinguish the flavor of cooked beef to that of cooked bison.
Bison is on the list of the more sustainable protein sources. Bison are raised on grasslands and play an important role in maintaining the topsoil.
Conclusions
Bison are a healthy, lean, and delicious alternative to beef. So, the next time you’re looking for a healthy and delicious beef alternative, try bison meat! You won’t be disappointed.
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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.
Note: this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations related to your individual situation.
