You Ask, I Answer: Ostrich/Bison Meats

An "upscale" burger place I like to go to offers ostrich and bison meat.

I like the taste of both and have heard they are better for you than beef.

Is that true?

-- Robert (last name withheld)
New York, NY

Ostrich (popular in Asia and Southern Africa) and bison/buffalo meats are considered a rarity in the United States.

In case you're having a Jessica Simpson moment, remember that buffalo wings are made from chicken (they originated in the city of Buffalo, hence the name.)

Compared to traditional (cow's) red meat, both of these options are healthier alternatives.

Whereas three ounces of beef clock in at 240 calories and 15 grams of fat, that same amount of ostrich adds up to 97 calories and 1.3 grams of fat, while three ounces of bison contain 140 calories and 2.5 grams of fat.

Since bison subsist only on grass -- the overwhelming majority of cows in the United States are on a literally lethal corn-based diet -- their meat offers low amounts of saturated fat and higher levels of Conjugated Linoleic Acid.

Although ostriches do not eat grass, their meat is very lean since fat builds up outside their muscle tissue, making it very easy to remove prior to cooking.