All The Elk Meat Benefits

You don’t normally see elk meat on the dinner tables, but it’s high time that it becomes a regular addition. The meat is rich in protein, low in fat, and boosted with vitamins and minerals. Along with being extremely healthy, elk meat is also very versatile. It is a great substitute for beef in many recipes. You get to enjoy the beef flavor without that many calories and fat. Let’s delve into some of the excellent benefits of elk meat that will make you want to make the meat a more frequent part of your meal.

High Protein Content

Protein is an important component that contributes to various areas of our health. Your body requires an adequate amount of protein to build as well as repair tissues, form the foundation muscles, bones, and skins, produce enzymes and hormones, etc. A deficiency in protein can cause reduced growth, increased infection risk, and boosted appetite. Elk meat is a great source of protein. A three-ounce serving of elk meat provides you with 23 grams of protein. So even a single serving of elk meat will help you to meet the protein requirements.

Strengthen The Immune System

Elk meat is enriched with zinc, which is a vital mineral that plays an important role in improving the health of the immune system. Zinc is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, and helps in developing immune cells, and promotes cytokines. Consuming an adequate amount of zinc regularly can decrease the level of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Boost the Health Of Bones

With age, bones start to thin and become brittle and weak. Bones diseases such as osteoporosis increase the risk of fracture and may even change the posture. Elk meat has a high content of L-methionine, an important amino acid that helps to keep the bones stronger. When L-methionine is paired with regular exercise, it can help in improving intrinsic bone strength. Moreover, elk meat also contains phosphorus, a nutrient that is a critical aspect of bone health.

Improves the Brain Health

There is a clear connection between what you eat and your level of focus, memory, mental health, and cognitive function. A lot of nutrients in elk meat have been shown to impact the health of the brain. For example, vitamin B12 plays an important role in improving learning abilities and memory. Additionally, vitamin B6 found in elk meat can help in improving the symptoms of depression.

Prevents Anemia

It is a medical condition in which there is a low level of healthy red blood cells. Patients with anemia experience symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, fast heartbeat, dizziness, and paleness. Elk meat is enriched with many vital minerals and vitamins associated with red blood cell production. It is particularly high in iron and vitamin B12 that prevents pernicious anemia and iron deficiency anemia.

Helps With Weight Loss

With approximately 23 grams of protein and merely 164 calories in a three-ounce serving, elk meat is a highly nutritious red meat that can be added to your weight loss diet. The high protein content in the meat may be helpful in reducing the craving.

Offers Great Versatility

Elk meat is available in an array of cuts and preparation, including flank steaks, rib racks, loin chops, jerky, sausages, and ground meat. You can use it in any recipe as a substitute for beef. However, you may need to reduce the cooking time and heat. This is because meat is leaner than beef; therefore, it cooks faster. Additionally, don’t go overboard with the seasoning; you don’t want to conceal the natural flavor of the meat.

Provides Great Taste

We would not be recommending you to try elk meat if it was not delicious. Along with tons of health benefits, the meat is extremely appetizing. It has a more pronounced taste than beef, with a touch of sweet flavor and succulent texture. The natural flavors of the meat are so rich that it does not require much seasoning. Moreover, it is also less gamey as opposed to venison, so you can enjoy it fully.

Elk Meat vs. Beef

Elk meat is a great substitute for beef in any recipe. How do these meats compare with respect to health factors? One gram of ground elk meat contains half the calories of ground beef. Therefore the former has considerably less amount of fat. Moreover, elk meat also has a higher quantity of protein and vital minerals such as iron. The rich amount of nutrients in elk meat makes it a better choice than beef.

Elk Meat Vs. Bison Meat

Bison meat is another popular substitute for beef in popular recipes like meatloaf, burgers, and chili. Similar to elk, meat has a strong nutrient profile and a lot of health benefits. But there is a certain difference between bison meat and elk meat with regards to nutrition. Elk meat has a lower calorie and fat content with a higher amount of protein than bison. However, elk meat and bison meat are good sources of micronutrients.

Elk Meat Vs. Lamb Meat

Elk meat and lamb meat are often compared against each other. This is because they both have similar nutrients. Elk and lamb both have tons of vitamins, protein, and minerals with low calories and fat.

Lamb beat has a sweet, mild, and fresh flavor that can be used in a lot of dishes. It is a popular selection for kebabs, stuffed cabbage rolls, roasts, etc. However, it can also be used as a substitute for beef in many recipes.

Conclusion

Elk meat is an excellent option if you want to reduce the intake of beef. You can easily add the meat for various recipes without the added fat content. It offers vital minerals and vitamins that include vitamin B12, zinc, vitamin B6, niacin, and phosphorus. It is a form of game meat that is low in fat and calories but contains high protein content.

Get Foodie Deals
We collect great foodie-focused deals from across the web daily. Get yourself or your favorite foodie a great deal at big name stores.