Is Bison Healthy Red Meat?

Bison were an integral part of the culture of Native Americans. Tribes used bison meat for food the hides for clothing. Wagon trains heading west during the 1800's are responsible for the near-extinction of the bison herds that the Native Americans relied upon so heavily, Kevin Weiland reports in his book "The Dakota Diet: Health Secrets from the Great Plains." As the bison populations surged in the early to mid-1900s from being better protected, more people began to realize the nutritional value this red meat has to offer.

Lower In Fat

Bison meat is lower in fat than red meat from cattle. Weiland reports that bison meat is naturally leaner than beef, making it a healthier way to satisfy your desire for red meat. Eating red meat high in fat can contribute to heart disease and weight problems. A 3-ounce serving of ground bison contains only 7 g of total fat, compared to 13 g total for ground beef.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The meat from bison with a mostly grass diet contains more omega-3 fatty acids. Weiland notes that omega-3 fatty acids form in the green leaves of the bison's traditional food, and these nutrients pass on to you. Eating a diet that includes plenty of food sources of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce your risk of dangerous health conditions, including certain types of cancer, as well as chronic inflammation in your entire body. Omega-3 fatty acids may also help you lower your cholesterol level and keep it in the healthy range.

Protein

All red meat is a good source of dietary protein, and bison supplies a healthy dose. A 3-ounce serving of bison meat supplies about 21 g of protein with less saturated fat than beef. Protein is crucial for every bodily function, contributing to the health of your hair, skin, nails, bones muscles and tissues. Protein also encourages production of hemoglobin and supplies you with energy to be physically active. Limit your intake of any kind of red meat to less than 18 ounces per week, because more than that is linked to a higher risk of colon cancer.

Other Nutrients

Lean bison meat is a healthy source of several different vitamins and minerals that you should include in your daily diet. Many of these nutrients are available in higher amounts in bison meat than in beef, making it a more nutritious menu option. A 3-ounce serving of bison has slightly higher iron content, as well as more selenium and copper, than beef. These nutrients promote formation of red blood cells and work to prevent damage caused by free radicals. Bison also contains more folate than beef and equal amounts of vitamin K, which helps your blood clot after an injury. In addition, bison contains small amounts of several B vitamins, which supply energy.