Venison is a good protein choice for people with cardiovascular disease. Venison differs from red meat in part because it is leaner and has less fat and fewer calories. Â.
Deer meat, a type of venison, is high in essential amino acids. However, youâll need to know how to properly store, clean, and cook deer meat to avoid foodborne illnesses. Â â.
Venison, or deer meat, is growing in popularity due to its lean, protein-packed nutritional profile However, some people report experiencing increased gas and digestive upset after eating venison. In this article, we’ll explore the evidence behind venison and flatulence and provide tips for comfortable venison digestion.
An Overview of Venison
Venison refers to meat from deer species such as white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, reindeer and antelope It has a rich, earthy, beef-like flavor and is prized for its tenderness and versatility.
Nutritionally, venison is an excellent source of protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins. Beef, pork, and lamb all have more calories, saturated fat, and total fat than this meat. There are more heart-healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids in venison fat than in other meats.
Venison is also lower in calories and cholesterol than domestic meats. There are 140 calories, 25 grams of protein, and 1 gram of fat in a 3-ounce serving of cooked venison.
Why Does Venison Cause Gas for Some People?
Anecdotal reports indicate that venison may lead to increased flatulence, bloating or loose stools for some individuals There are a few potential reasons why
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Higher Protein Content – Venison is very high in protein compared to other meats. While protein is incredibly important for health, it takes more time and effort for the body to break down and digest protein. This extended digestive process can lead to more gas being produced.
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Fiber Content – Deer have a diet primarily of leafy greens, twigs and berries. As a result, venison contains more calcium, iron and fiber than meat from grain-fed livestock. The higher fiber content could explain the looser stools or temporary digestive upset some people experience with venison.
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Fat Composition – The fat profile of wild venison contains more polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to beef or pork. For those sensitive to dietary fat changes, this adjustment could temporarily influence digestion.
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Preparation Methods – How the venison is prepared may play a role. Deer meat can be tough if overcooked, just like other meats. Tougher meats take longer to break down in the digestive tract, which may exacerbate gas and bloating.
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Individual Sensitivity – Some individuals may have a personal sensitivity to venison. People with irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerances or allergies may experience more digestive discomfort after eating venison.
Tips for Preventing Gas and Bloating When Eating Venison
If you experience gas or digestive upset when eating venison, there are some simple tips that can help:
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Don’t Overcook – Venison dries out and toughens easily. Use moist cooking methods like braising, stewing or sous vide. For grilling or pan frying, cook quickly over high heat and don’t cook past medium doneness.
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Marinate – Marinating tenderizes venison by breaking down connective tissues. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days for maximum tenderizing effects.
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Slowly Introduce – If venison is new to your diet, start with smaller 3-4 oz portions once or twice a week. Allow your body time to adjust to the higher protein and fat composition.
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Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water with meals and throughout the day when eating venison. Adequate hydration supports healthy digestion.
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Eat Your Veggies – Pair venison with fibrous vegetables, salad greens, whole grains and beans. This adds bulk and fiber to help move food smoothly through the digestive tract.
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Avoid Fatty Extras – Limit butter, cream and fatty gravies which may exacerbate digestive issues. Stick to lean preparations.
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Take a Probiotic – Ask your doctor if taking a daily probiotic supplement could help promote healthy gut flora and digestion when eating venison.
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Pay Attention to Portion Size – Be mindful of reasonable 3-6 oz portions of venison at a meal. Overeating meat can overload the digestive system and lead to gas.
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Try Digestive Enzymes – Digestive enzyme supplements may help break down the protein, fat and fiber in venison more effectively for those prone to gas. Check with your doctor first.
Health Benefits of Including Venison in Your Diet
Despite the potential for increased flatulence, there are many nutritional benefits to eating venison regularly:
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High in Protein – Venison is one of the richest sources of protein you can eat. Protein supports muscle growth and repair, satiety and weight management.
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Low in Fat and Calories – The leanness of venison makes it perfect for those monitoring fat and calorie intake. You can enjoy a satisfying portion without overdoing it on calories.
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Iron for Energy – Venison provides more readily absorbed iron than plant-based foods. Iron carries oxygen throughout the body and supports energy levels.
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Essential Vitamins – Deer meat is high in immunity-boosting vitamin B12, bone-supporting vitamin D and antioxidant vitamin E.
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Zinc for Immunity – Venison offers about 40% of the daily recommended zinc intake per serving. Zinc is vital for a healthy immune system.
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Conjugated Linoleic Acid – Venison contains CLA, a polyunsaturated fatty acid linked to improved body composition and heart health.
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Wild-Caught Game – Deer eat a natural diet and live freely in the wild. Venison is antibiotic and hormone-free.
Serve Venison Often, But Listen to Your Body
In conclusion, deer meat offers valuable nutrition as a lean, protein-packed alternative to beef, pork and lamb. While some people may experience more gas, bloating or diarrhea when transitioning to eating venison, there are simple preparation tips to support easy digestion.
Slowly incorporate venison using the digest-friendly cooking methods above. Pay attention to your body’s signals, limit portions, stay hydrated and fill up on fiber-rich plant foods. Ask your doctor if probiotic or enzyme supplements could be beneficial as well.
While venison may lead to some initial gas and bloating for some people, the multitude of nutritional benefits make it a wise addition to any healthy diet.
Frequency of Entities:
venison: 27 times
gas: 16 times
deer: 7 times
meat: 7 times
protein: 5 times
fat: 5 times
fiber: 4 times
digestion: 4 times
bloating: 4 times
Types of Deer Meat
The deer meat can be handled in various ways after being deboned. You can soften the deer meat, grind it up, make jerky strips out of it, or keep the whole cuts for roasts. Â.
You can also keep venison dehydrated, canned in a pressure canner, or frozen for later consumption.Â
What Does Deer Meat Taste Like?
The flavor of venison is related to what the living animal ate. If the deer ate corn, theyâll have a milder flavor than deer that eat acorns and sage. Venison can be described as âgamey,â but that flavor is more noticeable in the fat areas.
Other intense flavors can occur if the deer meat isnât processed correctly. Improper processes could include:Â
- Improper bleeding
- Delay in field dressing
- Failure to cool the carcass quicklyâ
How Venison is ACTUALLY cooked by a PRO Chef
FAQ
Can venison cause stomach problems?
What meat makes you gassy?
What are the disadvantages of eating venison?
Is deer meat hard to digest?
Why is venison hard to digest?
The reason why venison can be hard to digest is that, apart from purine, it is also high in protein. Protein takes more time to be digested than carbohydrates. Another reason is that a person might have trouble digesting venison. It can be because of some issues in the gastrointestinal tract, or the production of compounds that help digest protein.
Is venison safe to eat?
Safety is a crucial factor to consider when consuming venison in its raw or undercooked state. Proper handling and storage of deer meat will help prevent contamination, and therefore prevent diseases. Is Venison Hard to Digest? The reason why venison can be hard to digest is that, apart from purine, it is also high in protein.
What is venison meat?
Venison is a type of red meat that comes from a deer. Although it is not as common as traditional meats like beef, chicken, and pork, sales have been growing in the Western world over the past few years.
Is consuming venison meat beneficial for health?
Venison meat is an excellent source of B vitamins and zinc*. It contains small to moderate amounts of most other minerals. Key Point: Venison is a high-protein meat that is low in fat and total calories. B vitamins and zinc are the most significant nutrients that the meat provides.