THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BISON MEAT

Bison ...Truly the healthy choice for today’s health conscious consumer!

By Coralie Darsey-Malloy

When the opportunity to present my ‘perspectives’ on the benefits of bison it felt like an idea whose time has come. I have firsthand experience about the health promoting benefits of bison meat and in the last number of years increasing numbers of health conscious individuals are discovering that as well.   Before continuing, I fully understand and accept the value of vegetarian diets for those whose belief systems and biology are aligned to that way of eating. However, I also know that within my personal and professional experiences that vegetarianism does not support all body types…and mine was one of them.

After overcoming two eating disorders in the late eighties I researched vegetarianism and did my best to assure that it provide enough protein and nutrients.  However, after a year or so on that regime I started to put on a flabby type of weight. Through time my muscles became more flaccid…even though I was exercising regularly. In that period I was working as a health consultant with Yvonne Derosiers at the Health Wheel and hosting a talk show on cablevision called Perspectives on Balanced living.

Those aspects of my professional life created numerous opportunities to interact with people from all walks of life. A few of them were touting the benefits of bison meat and other wild game because they provided healthy, low fat sources of protein. Among them was Naturopath Dr. George Kroeker. I became a patient of his during my vegetarian phase and went to him with a variety of health problems. 
Dr. Kroeker became my mentor as well as a doctor and under his guidance  0*7
 developed a greater understanding of the Hippocratic Oath and the "the healing power of nature" (vis medicatrix naturae).  Part of Hippocratic Oath says: “I will apply dietetic measures for the benefit of the sick according to my ability and judgment; I will keep them from harm and injustice.”  Dr. Kroeker always placed great emphasis on supporting ‘nature” and giving our bodies the nutritional support it needs. He strongly suggested that in order to re-gain strength I needed to introduce animal proteins back into my diet…even though it conflicted with my belief systems at that time.  He bluntly said I had a choice to make.

I could either hold to my ideals of remaining a vegetarian…or eat lean meat and regain my health. He was a strong advocate of bison and other game because they are nutrient dense meats, low in fat and easier to digest. He preferred bison meat but depending on availability suggested venison, emu, ostrich or rabbit as other option.  To help balance blood sugar imbalances he recommended 6 mini-meals a day that included two portions (a total of 6-8 ounces) of bison along with plenty of raw and lightly cooked vegetables, whole grains and fruit. After some consideration I reluctantly decided to heed his counsel and work with my body rather than against it as I had for so many years before. 
Shortly after adding bison to my menu planning I noticed an increase in energy, reduction in hypoglycemic symptoms, decrease in neurological numbing and tingling, weight loss and an overall improvement in body strength and lean muscle mass.  The positive changes motivated me to research the ‘why’ of ‘what’ was occurring. What I discovered then holds to this day… bison is a satisfying and wholesome food choice. 

Why Eat Bison?

Even though it was a number of years ago Dr. Kroeker was ahead of his time when he  pointed out what others are discovering today…that some who eliminate all meat from their diet may be at risk of developing B-12 deficiencies.  George Newman, MD, a nationally renowned stroke expert at a medical school and center in Stony Brook, Long Island discovered that ‘hidden’ deficiencies are becoming more widespread as health conscious individuals hit middle age.
Within his practice he discovered that up to 20% of his patients following meatless, ‘heart-healthy diets’ are developing B12 deficiencies.  Newman says that red meat is the best source of vitamin B12 and those who completely eliminate meats without supplementation can develop irreversible neurological damage if they do not have enough B12 in their systems.  Even some who take vitamins may not absorb them properly and can still be at risk.

Consequently more heart associations are recommending up to 6 ounces of lean meat and have added ‘lean cuts of bison’ in their brochures.   Bison meat provides 34% of the daily recommended amounts of protein, 32% of zinc, 33% of iron, 10% antioxidant selenium. It is a highly nutrient-dense food because of the proportion of protein fat, mineral and fatty acids to its caloric value. Studies show that bison also has greater concentrations of iron as well as some of the essential fatty acids necessary for good health. Bison are raised without steroids, hormones or animal by-products.  There are no drug residues and is usually non-allergenic and easier to digest by people with red meat intolerance. This naturally flavourful lean meat is low in fat, cholesterol and sodium. With bison having less fat and being a denser meat people eat less of it than other cuts.   It is important for consumers to know that bison does not taste gamey but has a unique, rich flavor and with the reduced fat content it cooks faster. Most who have said they don’t like it have often overcooked it.

Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about food safety issues and are demanding safe, healthy, natural sources of food. This is another area where bison meets consumer’s needs.  In a phone interview with Leonard Chopp from L/B Bison in Vita (204) 425-3981 the innate hardiness of bison makes them attractive to producers because they are easier to maintain than traditional livestock. The Canadian Bison Association was established to recognize and promote the unique merits of bison, to develop production and promote public acceptance of bison and bison products. 
They continue to support research, quality control programs, develop awareness to support the bison industry. In conversation with L. Chopp he said that bison are essentially wild animals and their thick coats help to protect them from harsh winters. Their naturally strong immune systems keep antibiotic use to a minimum and are only used for humane reasons when an animal is in distress.

In Leonard’s experience bison ranchers have discovered that producers who care for their animals find they thrive within the natural habitat of North America ranges. Even though the industry has had its ups and downs they continue to develop programs that guide producer’s management practices and build consumer confidence in their product. Although they were affected by the border closings due to mad cow disease a few years ago the industry is feeling more optimistic about the future of bison throughout North America.  All meat is government inspected and further information can be obtained through the Canadian Bison Association at www.canadianbison.ca or 1-306-522-4766.
Return of the ‘great shaggies’

In our discussion Leonard and I agreed that there is much to celebrate about the return of the ‘great shaggies’ to North American plains.  Prior to the settlers arriving they were the sustenance of choice to Native people for centuries.  Prior to the arrival of settlers bison were the most numerous of all grazing animals on our continent.  Estimates of their numbers are only speculative, but have ranged from 30,000,000 to 75,000,000. By 1819 almost all the bison were extirpated east of the Mississippi. In the 1930’s following the decimation of the beaver, the American Fur Company and the Hudson Bay Company switched from purchasing beaver pelts to bison robes. Even though most of the bison disappeared west of the Rocky Mountains it was not until 1850’s that the massive slaughter of the plans bison began.

There were a number of contributing factors to the demise of the bison. Settlers, cow towns and cattle ranches sprang up and railways linking east to West made bison hunting a very lucrative process. The zealous slaughter of the bison was also a contributing factor in the subjugation of Native Indians. General Sheridan said, in reference to the bison hunters: “These men have done in the last two years , and will do in the next year more to settle the vexed Indian question than the entire regular army  has done in the last 30 years.” Sitting Bull the Sioux chief who defeated Custer stated: “A cold wind blew across the prairies when the last buffalo fell…a death-wind for my people. By 1889 there were fewer than 1,000 bison left.” (Smoke Signals Volume X11. Number 3 June, 2001)

When I asked Leonard whether the correct term is bison or buffalo he said…bison. Evidently the North American Buffalo is not a true buffalo. Its closest relative is the european Bison or Wisent and the Canadian Woods Bison, not the buffalo of Asia or Africa even though bison and buffalo are commonly interchanged.

It was through the efforts of far-sighted conervationists that saved the bison from extinction.  Thanks to the diligence and perseverance of dedicated bison ranchers who are enthusiastic champions of these majestic   extinction again. Whether as a consumer, investor or producer bison are among nature’s best and are here to stay!

Coralie Raia Darsey-Malloy is a life coach and group leader and public speaker. I can be contacted at:  coralieraiawritingroad@gmail.com