Montana-Wyoming Buffalo Co., , Nutritional Information

Why do people choose bison as their choice of meat? Bison is a red meat, which is nutrient dense because of the proportion of protein, fat, minerals and fatty acids to its caloric value. Research shows bison is a healthy choice being lower in fat, calories and cholesterol than beef, pork or skinless chicken. Bison meat does not marble (fat interspersed in the muscle) like beef. The result is more red meat (protein), high in iron with less fat (calories) per pound. Since bison is a dense meat, you can feel more satisfied by eating less. Many who are seeking healthier lifestyles and practicing wellness are looking for just such a healthy red meat. It is also an industry rule that bison not be subjected to growth hormones or stimulants. Both the Montana Wyoming Buffalo Company and the National Bison Association oppose the use of these substances in the production of bison for meat.

Cholesterol in our bodies is made from fat. Look at the fat in beef compared to bison. Now this even after all visible fat has been trimmed- only the marbled fat in the meat itself remained. There is nearly 4 times the as much fat in beef as in bison. Also remember that saturated fats raise cholesterol in your blood twice as much as an equal amount of polyunsaturated fat may lower it.

Type of Fat	Beef	Bison
Saturated	46.3%	43.4%
Polyunsaturated	8.2%	11.7%
Monounsaturated	45.5%	45.1%
Total Unsaturated	53.7%	56.8%

Bison meat is non allergenic. No one, to date, has had an allergic reaction to buffalo meat. Many people who have allergies to other meats find they can eat buffalo. There are no low level antibiotics, no hormones, no drug residues, and no preservatives in buffalo. When eating bison, you are eating wholesome meat

If you are on a low fat diet, you may not be getting another important heart nutrient, carnitine, which is found mainly in red meat. The primary function of carnitine is to escort fatty acids to the furnace (cell milochondria), where the fat is burned to produce energy. In doing so, it reduces fat levels in the blood dramatically. Also, Johns Hopkins Medical Journal reported that carnitine lowers bad cholesterol and increases the good type.

Dr. Carl Pepine of the Division of Cardiology at the University of Florida Medical School reported that tests show carnitine increases blood flow by 60% and reduced vascular resistance by 25%.

Bison has more iron than beef. For women, iron is a significant item. According to the Recommended Dietary Allowances 1989 Guidelines, adolescent, lactating, and premenopausal women need at least 15 milligrams of iron per day, and pregnant women need at least 30 milligrams. Adding bison to your diet can help meet those recommended allowances, as bison contributes about 69% more iron to your diet per serving than does beef!