The top five health benefits of venison

British Venison is in season throughout the Autumn months, although this does vary depending on the type and sex of the deer. Eating seasonally is a great way to support sustainable food production, so what better time to dive into the health benefits of venison than when this meat is at its best (helping you to feel your best)!

1. Venison is a high-quality (and complete) source of protein

In 100g of venison there’s approximately 24g of protein – a pretty decent serving size. Venison (like all animal products) is also what we call a complete protein, containing all of the essential amino acids our bodies can’t make on their own (hence being called essential, because it’s essential that we eat them).

Although it might surprise you, protein isn’t just about body-building and big muscles. The importance of a good bit of protein goes beyond growth and repair (even though this is undeniably very important) and includes things like supporting our immune system, supporting hormone production and helping to build crucial enzymes.

2. Venison is lower in saturated fat than other red meats

Reducing saturated fat intake is something most of us should be considering. It’s not that we need to eliminate saturated fat completely – we just we need to make a little more room for other types of fats (like olive oil) and other types of food (like fruit, veg and wholegrains).

Being lower in saturated fat than other red meats, venison makes a great seasonal swap for red meats like beef, helping to reduce your saturated fat intake. We love the lean flavour of our venison haunch steaks with roasted root veg (and maybe a cheeky glass of red).

3. Venison is a great source of haem iron

Iron is an essential nutrient and one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the UK. Venison is a brilliant source of haem iron, a type of iron which is generally absorbed very efficiently by our bodies. Plant-based sources contain a type of iron called non-haem iron, which is generally absorbed at a lower rate than haem iron.

While it’s definitely possible to meet iron requirements on a plant-based diet, iron deficiency is a common problem in vegetarians and vegans. Eating a little venison to top up your iron levels could be a great idea this Autumn – particularly for those at high risk of deficiency (like young women).

4. Venison is brimming with zinc

Zinc is another essential nutrient and a tricky one at times. The richest source of zinc by a country mile is an oyster, with just two oysters reaching average daily requirements. Unfortunately, oysters don’t often feature in the weekly shop and zinc levels can drop off because of this.

Venison is one of the top sources of zinc following oysters, with 100g of venison providing roughly 32% of average daily intake requirements. With zinc being an important nutrient for our immune system, for keeping our skin healthy and also for reproductive health (particularly in the case of men) – a good piece of zinc-rich venison could benefit our health in more ways than one.

5. Venison is filled with an array of essential B vitamins

Venison is packed with a whole heap of B vitamins. B12 and 6 are both included here and these nutrients are critical for the ever-so slightly important factor of brain health (among other things). Deficiency can therefore influence mood and produce depressive-like symptoms. B vitamins in general are important for producing energy and can influence everything from our hair to our digestion.

So the next time you sit down to a beef steak this Autumn, why not consider giving venison a go. It’s seasonal, sustainable and packed with nutritional benefits (and not to mention delicious). You’ll find our premium selection of venison alongside our wild game – from diced to haunch, there’s plenty on offer for all your stews, roasts and pies galore.