is deer summer sausage good for you

Deer Summer Sausage: A Flavorful Treat That Can Be Part of a Healthy Diet

As an outdoor enthusiast and hunter, I look forward to deer season every year not just for the hunt itself but for the delicious venison that results. Deer meat is lean natural and nutrient-dense. One of my favorite ways to enjoy venison is in the form of hearty, zesty summer sausage. But with its high fat content, is deer summer sausage actually good for you? Let’s break it down.

In this article, I’ll discuss the nutritional profile of deer summer sausage, its health benefits and risks, tips for selecting the healthiest product, and how to enjoy it in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. Whether you make your own or buy it pre-made, summer sausage can be a flavorful and protein-packed addition to a healthy lifestyle when consumed appropriately.

Here’s what I’ll cover:

• Nutritional highlights of deer summer sausage
• Potential benefits of eating venison
• Health risks to consider
• Tips for choosing the healthiest product
• Recommended serving sizes
• Balancing intake with other healthy foods
• Safely storing and preserving summer sausage

Let’s start with a quick rundown of what exactly is in a typical venison summer sausage

Nutritional Profile of Deer Summer Sausage

The primary nutritents in deer summer sausage are:

• Protein: Approximately 18-25g per 2 ounce serving. Important for building muscle.

• Fat: Around 15-22g per serving, over half is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.

• Iron: 10% of RDI. Helps prevent anemia and aids circulation.

• B Vitamins: Niacin, B6, B12. Essential for energy metabolism and nerve function.

• Zinc: Immunity booster and antioxidant.

• Sodium: Can vary widely depending on curing process. Potentially high levels.

As you can see, venison sausage provides high-quality complete proteins, essential vitamins and minerals as well as some heart healthier fats. But there are some potential health risks to keep in mind as well.

Potential Benefits of Consuming Deer Meat

There are several health advantages associated with eating venison:

• Lean source of protein: Deer meat is lower in fat and calories compared to beef.

• High in iron: Venison provides more iron than many other meats, which aids circulation.

• Source of B Vitamins: Deer meat contains a range of B vitamins including niacin, B6 and B12.

• Provides creatine: Venison is one of the richest food sources of creatine, which may enhance athletic performance.

• Lower in saturated fat: Has less saturated fat than processed meats like bacon or sausage.

When consumed in moderation, the nutrients in venison offer some great benefits. But there are also some potential downsides to consider.

Potential Health Risks of Deer Summer Sausage

Here are some possible health concerns to keep in mind:

• High sodium content: Most summer sausages are cured with sodium nitrite, which can raise blood pressure.

• Contains saturated fat: About 30-40% of the fat is saturated, which may increase LDL cholesterol.

• Added sugar: Some varieties include corn syrup or dextrose to offset gaminess. Adds empty calories.

• Preservatives: Nitrates and nitrites used in curing meats may be carcinogenic when consumed in high amounts.

• Weight gain: High fat and calorie content can lead to weight gain if consumed in excess. Portion control is key.

To maximize health benefits and minimize risks, choose high-quality products made with lean venison, minimal additives and healthy preparation methods.

Tips for Selecting the Healthiest Deer Summer Sausage

If you want to get the most nutrition from your summer sausage without excess calories, fat and sodium, follow these tips:

• Choose venison as the only meat ingredient. Avoid added beef or pork.

• Look for uncured, preservative-free products without added nitrites/nitrates.

• Avoid sausages with excessive added sugars or corn syrup on the label.

• Select sausages dried or baked rather than smoked to reduce carcinogen risk.

• Look for products made from heart or loin cuts for more lean protein.

• Search for brands made with olive oil or avocado oil rather than lard or butter.

• Opt for low-sodium varieties to minimize effects on blood pressure.

Following these guidelines can help you identify healthier venison summer sausage options to add to your diet.

Recommended Serving Sizes for Deer Summer Sausage

Moderation and portion control are key when incorporating any high-fat food like summer sausage into your diet. Here are some tips:

• Stick to a 1-2 ounce serving size. About the size of your thumb.

• Limit yourself to 1-2 servings max per week, as a treat. Avoid daily indulgence.

• Always pair with antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies to balance the meal.

• If weight loss is a goal, have just 1 ounce along with a lean protein like chicken breast.

• Calculate the calorie and fat content to fit your daily needs and health goals.

• Listen to your body. If you feel lethargic or gain weight, scale back.

Keeping portions small and pairing summer sausage with healthier foods can help you stay on track.

Balancing Intake for a Healthy Diet

To maintain good health when consuming any high-fat food like deer summer sausage, remember to:

• Load up on fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• Incorporate good fats like olives, avocados, nuts and olive oil.

• Focus on lean, low-sodium protein sources like chicken, fish or venison cubes.

• Satisfy sugar cravings with fresh fruit instead of empty calorie sweets.

• Stay active and exercise portion control to balance excess calories.

By following healthy habits and savoring summer sausage occasionally in moderation, you can absolutely achieve your health goals while still enjoying its signature zesty flavor.

Safely Storing and Preserving Venison Summer Sausage

To safely store commercial or homemade summer sausage:

• Refrigerate promptly after purchase/preparation. Keep at 40°F or below.

• If freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store at 0°F.

• Consume refrigerated sausage within 1 week of opening package.

• Freeze extra sausage in portions so you can thaw only what you need.

• Label and date packages so you know when they were made.

• Look for any signs of mold, off-colors or odors before consuming.

Follow these tips to safely preserve your summer sausage and prevent foodborne illness.

The Verdict on Deer Summer Sausage

When consumed sensibly as part of an overall nutritious diet, deer summer sausage can offer you a hearty dose of protein, essential nutrients, and savory flavor. Just be mindful of limiting sodium, nitrates, added sugars and total fat intake when selecting and portioning out your sausage. With so many delicious ways to prepare venison, summer sausage can be an occasional treat that provides a taste of the hunting season year-round.