April 3, 2024 | Awake & Dreaming

Bison have been roaming the American Plains for thousands of years. Their meat is rich in proteins and other nutrients. Bison health benefits can include freedom from the chemicals and hormones used on traditional farm-raised cattle. Bison flavor is rich and sweet, making it an attractive addition to your dinner table. While bison health benefits are appealing, though, you must be cautious about the associated risks.

What Is Bison?

American bison are large animals with a prominent hump. They’re found all over the US and Canada. They graze open grasslands, and a herd needs a large land area. They’re not typically domesticated or bred in cattle pens on farms. That’s why bison meat is not plentiful and costs more than beef. Bison are not the same as buffalo, though they are often called by that name.

Bison Nutrition

Bison meat has a rich, sweet flavor. It has a low saturated fat content, making it both healthy and easy to cook. Bison meat is healthy meat. A 100-gram portion provides 20 grams of protein, 146 calories, and 7 grams of fats. It has almost no carbohydrates or fiber. Bison meat also provides small amounts of iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and other minerals. Bison meat is a complete protein source containing all 20 amino acids that humans need. Bison meat also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has anti-inflammatory properties. Non-ruminant meat sources like fish, turkey, pork, and chicken do not contain CLA.

Bison, are primarily range-fed and eat grass. Their meat has a lower fat content than beef. Among commonly consumed North American animals, only elk meat has less fat. Bison meat also has a more favorable fatty acid composition than beef. Bison meat has fewer calories and less saturated fat than beef, and a relative proportion of unsaturated to saturated fats is better for health, especially heart health. Compared to beef, bison meat is also richer in protein. Bison meat has higher amounts of micronutrients like vitamin B12, zinc, iron, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Bison meat consumption is better for the heart and blood vessels than beef. Bison meat reduces inflammation and lowers oxidative stress. It may be a healthier alternative in societies where red meat makes up a large proportion of the diet.Bison meat consumption is better for the heart and blood vessels than beef. Bison meat reduces inflammation and lowers oxidative stress. It may be a healthier alternative in societies where red meat makes up a large proportion of the diet.

How to Cook Bison

Bison has to be cooked carefully since it is leaner than other red meat. Be careful not to overcook it. Thinner cuts can be broiled, grilled, or pan fried. Larger and less tender cuts do well with braising or stewing. Ground bison meat can be consumed as bison burgers, meatballs, pasta sauce, stroganoff, and nachos. You can find bison meat in supermarkets and farmer’s markets. Larger cuts can be used for 3 to 5 days, but you should use ground bison meat in 2 or 3 days. If you can’t use it, freezing is safe for some months.

The largest rivers in the world can be determined by various metrics such as length, discharge, or drainage area. Here are some of the largest rivers in the world based on different criteria:

Amazon River: The Amazon is the largest river in the world by discharge volume. It flows through South America and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The Amazon has the largest drainage basin in the world.
Nile River: The Nile is often considered the longest river in the world, though this is debated. It flows through northeastern Africa and is historically significant as one of the cradles of civilization.
Yangtze River (Chang Jiang): The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. It flows through China and plays a crucial role in Chinese history, culture, and economy.
Mississippi-Missouri River System: The Mississippi-Missouri River System is the longest river system in North America. It comprises the Mississippi River and its tributary, the Missouri River. It drains much of the central United States.
Yenisei River: The Yenisei is one of the longest rivers in Asia, flowing through Siberia in Russia. It is the largest river system flowing to the Arctic Ocean.
Yellow River (Huang He): The Yellow River is the second-longest river in China and the sixth-longest in the world. It is often referred to as the “cradle of Chinese civilization” due to its historical significance.
Ob River: The Ob River is one of the major rivers in western Siberia, Russia. It is significant for its massive discharge into the Arctic Ocean.