Venison refers to deer meat, which is a type of meat classified under the umbrella term "game meat". Game meat refers to any meat derived from wild animals or birds such as pheasants, elk, bison, ducks and quail, among many others. People still consume animals hunted in the wild, but often game meat comes from farm-raised animals. Deer meat is a lean meat that comes from a variety of different deer species living in many countries around the world.
Calories, Fat and Protein
Deer meat is a much leaner meat when compared to beef and pork. A typical serving size of 3 ounces or 85 grams contains 133 calories and only 6 grams of total fat, according to the USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory. Three of the 6 grams of total fat are monounsaturated fats which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke when consumed in moderation, according to the American Heart Association. Deer meat is very good source of protein and amino acids with 3 ounces providing 18 grams of protein; the Institue of Medicine recommends 38 and 46 grams of protein per day for adult women and men, respectively.
Carbohydrates, Cholesterol and Sodium
Deer meat contains no carbohydrates, but it does contain cholesterol and sodium. A 3 ounce serving contains 68 milligrams of cholesterol and 64 milligrams of sodium, according to the USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory. This accounts for a small portion of recommended daily intake of sodium which is 1,500 milligrams per day and a moderate portion of total cholesterol intake of less than 300 milligrams per day, according to the American Heart Association.
Vitamins
Deer meat is a good source of several B vitamins which include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B-12 and B-6. A typical serving of 3 ounces of deer meat provides more than 20 percent daily value for each of these vitamins, according to the USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory. Thiamin, riboflavin and niacin are required by the body to convert food into energy and help support healthy hair, skin and nervous system. Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin B-12 help clear homocysteine from the blood, an amino acid that may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease if levels become too high. They also are vital for the production of new cells and help support a healthy nervous and immune system, according to Harvard Health Publications.
Minerals
Deer meat is a good source of the minerals iron, phosphorous and zinc. Iron plays an important role in transferring oxygen to the cells of the body and is also required for the production of amino acids, neurotransmitters and hormones. Phosphorous is needed for strong and healthy bones and zinc plays a role in enzyme and protein production and helps supports the immune system and wound healing, according to Harvard Health Publications.
References
- Harvard Health Publications: Listing of Vitamins
- Institute of Medicine: Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs)
- USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory: Game meat, deer, ground, raw
- American Heart Association: Monounsaturated Fats
- American Heart Association: Cholesterol
- American Heart Association: Sodium (Salt or Sodium Chloride)
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