Bison or Beef: Which Is Healthier?

Which is better? Bison or beef? We'll tell you here!

Written and verified by the nutritionist Saúl Sánchez Arias.

Last update: 09 February, 2023

There are several different types of meat on the market and not all of them have the same nutritional properties. For that reason, it’s good to prioritize those that have a greater density of nutrients, to improve how your body functions. So, which do you think is healthier? Bison or beef? We’ll tell you in this article so don’t miss it!

The first thing to take into account is that nutrition experts recommend prioritizing fish in favor of meat. Marine products have a lower amount of calories, but they contain proteins of the highest quality.

Nutritional characteristics

Bison meat is characterized by being low in calories, since every 100 grams (4 oz) of product contains 109 calories. However, it contains a large number of proteins of high biological value inside; specifically, 21.62 grams per 100 grams of food.

It should be taken into account that proteins are essential to guarantee good muscle health. According to a study published in BioMed Research International, these nutrients help to prevent the onset of sarcopenia and lean tissue catabolism.

Likewise, this food has significant concentrations of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. The latter has been shown to be key in the differentiation process of white blood cells, which are responsible for the functioning of the immune system.

Beef, on the other hand, is much higher in calories, with 288 calories per 100 grams. In the same way, it is notably fatter, but also has a higher protein content. It contains 26 grams of protein per 100 grams of food.

It should be noted that most of the fat is of the saturated type. However, this isn’t problematic for heart health, as pointed out in a review published in Lipids in Health and Disease.

Similarities

Both products have a high protein content of high biological value, which is important for muscle health. In addition, both bison and beef meat contain a large number of minerals that are essential for health, so they can be included in the context of a healthy diet.

Differences between bison meat and beef

The main difference between bison and beef meat lies in its energy content, determined by its fat content. Bison meat, being much leaner, provides fewer calories.

At the same time, bison meat has a lower concentration of cholesterol. However, this is neither good nor bad news, since endogenous production of the nutrient is modulated according to its presence in the diet. Furthermore, there are doubts as to whether there’s any sort of link between this value and the risk of cardiovascular pathology.

In any case, both products are very low in trans fats, so they are considered to be heart-healthy. They do not generate inflammatory problems either, so they are recommended for health.

Which is the best option?

It should be borne in mind that each person has different nutritional needs, so a general recommendation cannot always be established. What is clear is that, in the context of a weight loss diet, bison meat could be consumed more regularly because of its lower energy content.

However, beef is also a good choice for almost any type of diet. It would only be necessary to be careful with this product in patients with renal pathologies, as an excess of proteins in them can complicate the filtering function of the organs.

Also, any of these meats should appear in the diet of those who practice sports, as the iron content will prevent problems like anemia, which could occur when exercising excessively. Other micronutrients found in it can help you to attain maximum physical performance.

Bison or beef, two healthy products

Both bison meat and beef are healthy products that can be introduced in the context of a varied diet. However, it’s always more advisable to prioritize the consumption of fish, as it has been linked to better cardiovascular health.

It should be noted that marine products, in addition to proteins of high biological value, contain unsaturated fatty acids that are capable of modulating inflammatory mechanisms. An example of these are omega-3. Don’t forget to exercise frequently to ensure a good state of health, as well as getting adequate rest at night.