Bison is Nature’s Perfect Protein
Amino acids are well known as the building blocks for protein and bison delivers all of the essential amino acids our bodies need. The protein-related role of amino acids is critical in support of our over-all health including a healthy nervous, detox and digestive system and especially the health of our immune system. Bison also has a high ratio of healthy fatty acids like Omega-3.
In addition, bison is a highly nutrient dense food because of the proportion of protein, fat, mineral, and fatty acids to its caloric value. According to the USDA, bison is clearly the better choice with significantly less fat and calories, less cholesterol and bison contains higher amounts of protein, iron and vitamin B-12 than beef, pork, chicken and salmon.
Part of the reason for bison’s high nutritional value is because of how they are raised. Bison are handled as little as possible. Bison are not domesticated, they spend their lives on grass, with very little or no time in the feedlot. They are not subjected to questionable drugs, chemicals or hormones. The members of the NBA feel so strongly about this that the NBA bylaws oppose the use of these substances in the production of Bison for meat.
Integrating bison into your weekly meal plan has obvious health benefits and ensures you are getting the best protein possible. Experience no guilt only the delicious goodness with the protein powerhouse only bison can deliver.
It's for these reasons that the National Bison Association has been dismayed to learn that water buffalo is being imported in the United States and being marketed, in some instances, as "Wild Buffalo". This deceptive approach to marketing water buffalo as bison is dishonest to the consumer and threatens the supreme food safety that the bison industry affords to its customers. The NBA is taking steps to correct and stop this deception and has developed some reference materials to educate the public on this issue:
Background paper on water buffalo deceptively being marketed as bison.
Label examples of water buffalo deceptively being marketed as bison.
Talking points on water buffalo deceptively being marketed as bison.