Wild game encompasses everything from wild birds, such as turkey and pheasants, to wild animals, including rabbit, deer, elk, moose and bison. Even though the health benefits of wild game depend on the type of game and the individual animal's exposure to pollutants, most forms of wild game have an array of nutritional benefits.
Less Saturated Fat
Wild game often has considerably less saturated fat content than domesticated forms of meat. Paul Insel, R. Elaine Turner and Don Ross, in "Discovering Nutrition," say that "the meat from wild game ... averages only one-seventh the fat of domesticated beef." Most domesticated meats have 29g of fat per 100g, while most wild meats have only 4g of fat per 100g. Less saturated fat in your diet helps prevent obesity and a wide range of diseases, including heart disease and stroke.
More Unsaturated Fat
Wild game contains higher amounts of healthy, cholesterol-reducing polyunsaturated fat, sometimes as much as five times that of domesticated meats. Natalia Medina Coggins and Kip Coggins, in "I'm Not On a Diet," says that these polyunsaturated fats "contain essential omega-3 fatty acids," which can help reduce atherosclerosis, a cause of heart attack and stroke. Some of wild game high in omega-3 fatty acids include bison, salmon, perch, bass and catfish.
Increased Antioxidants
Depending on the type, wild game usually has more antioxidants than traditional domestic meats. Dr. Kevin Weiland, in "The Dakota Diet: Health Secrets from the Great Plains," says that wild game often has a full spectrum of antioxidants "such as C and E as well as ... flavonoids, and carotenoids." These phytonutrients, or plant nutrients, can help the body to neutralize free radicals and prevent a range of diseases, including Alzheimer's, heart disease and various types of cancer.
Additional Nutrients
Wild game can serve as a healthy source for a variety of additional essential vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and riboflavin. Weiland says that vitamin B12 and riboflavin, for example, aid the proper functioning of your body's red blood cells, boost your immune system and contribute to tissue repair. These vitamins and nutrients can help ward off a variety of health issues, including osteoporosis and heart disease, and can contribute to an individual's overall well-being, such as through increased energy.
References
- "Discovering Nutrition"; Paul Insel, R. Elaine Turner, Don Ross; 2009
- "I'm Not on a Diet"; Natalia Medina Coggins, Kip Coggins; 2010
- "The Dakota Diet: Health Secrets from the Great Plains"; Kevin Weiland; 2010
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