One of the nutrients that is often overlooked in our daily diets is omega-3, and bison meat can be a great source for it. As this may be surprising to many readers, we thought it would be interesting to dig a little deeper on the omega-3 matter. Here are some questions we are frequently asked:
1. What is omega-3?
Omega-3 is a term used to describe three types of essential fatty acids known as ALA, DHA, and EPA. These fatty acids are not produced in the body, but they are essential nutrients that can improve both physical and mental health and can be derived from a variety of food sources including fish, meat, and nuts and seeds.
2. What are the health benefits related to an omega-3 rich diet?
One of the most noteworthy health benefits linked to a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is the improvement of overall cardiovascular health. Omega-3 lowers the level of blood fats or triglycerides, which can decreases the risk for developing heart attacks and strokes. Omega-3 fatty acids are also believed to improve lung function, and thereby lower the risk for developing Asthma. There are also suggested mental health benefits such as improvement of ADHD, Depression and possibly a decreased risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
3. Bison meat… and omega-3?
Bison meat as a significant omega-3 source is often overlooked, and many people are not aware of the variety of natural omega-3 sources 
available to them. In fact, a popular alternative is over-the counter fish oil pills, which tend to be be very expensive, not necessarily offer the same benefits, and can smell quite bad. Certainly, not all meat products are appropriate omega-3 sources. However, research has demonstrated that grass-fed bison meat can deliver 3.5 times more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed bison, and is therefore an excellent alternative to fish, fish-oil pills, and other meats.
It is certainly difficult to distinguish between foods that are truly good for you and foods that are simply being labeled as healthy, because they are a current trend. The idea of omega-3 as an essential nutrient has been around for a long time, and yet many are still surprised to hear that meat, particularly derived from grass-fed buffalo, is an excellent source for it. Bison meat is not simply a trend. It’s a real alternative that can make you healthier and maybe even happier.
(Remember, you don’t have to resort to fish-oil pills when there’s Wild Idea Buffalo.)
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My concern about use of Omega-3 capsules is the raping of the oceans and the unsustainability of the fish sources. For species used commercially (maybe, maybe not, for gel caps; certainly for meat) the individuals can be up to 200 years of age. This bothers me.
An unrelated aside: was talking with Ian at Breadroot in Rapid City not too long ago, & he commented that activism (fighting against) doesn’t produce the desired effect [it’s visualizing conflict, not resolution], but that making responsible choices for one’s own food is what will turn the tide. I thought this a very wise, accurate, & mature position.