9 HEALTH BENEFITS OF WAGYU
THE HEALTHY RED MEAT
Wagyu beef isn’t just celebrated for its rich marbling and unmatched flavor — it also offers a surprising range of health advantages. From heart-healthy fats to essential nutrients that support brain and body function, this premium beef stands out as both a culinary and nutritional powerhouse. Below are nine key health benefits that make 100% Full-Blood Wagyu a smart (and delicious) choice for discerning consumers.
1. OUR Wagyu Cattle Are Raised in a Stress-Free Environment
Wagyu cows are also known to be treated humanely. Starting off their lives grazing on their mother’s milk, following with green pastures, and eventually a corn-fed diet. They are free to roam and live a stress-free life. Once they are ready for transport, travel time is short and is done at a minimum scale to ensure a stress-free environment. Ensuring this stress-free setting works to maintain lower cortisol levels. This plays a key role in how Wagyu gets its great taste and flavor.
Excessive cortisol levels released during stress can potentially inhibit physiological systems and result in a number of issues as well as hurt the quality of the finished product.
2. Contains Healthy Fat
You may have heard about “good fat” and “bad fat”. The main difference is saturated versus unsaturated fats. These both directly affect cholesterol levels, with saturated having a negative effect. Because Wagyu contains a high concentration of MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids), at a rate of almost 300% more than normal beef. Your body can break these down more easily.
Because of its marbled fat, all Wagyu beef has a higher concentration of MUFAs than all other types of beef. MUFAs are also found in nuts and olive oil. Additionally, 40% of the fat in Wagyu is known to have stearic acid. This has less impact on cholesterol levels than traditional beef fat. Eating meat that is high in MUFAs is seen as healthier than lean meats.
3. Lowers LDL
Monounsaturated fatty acids (also referred to as MUFAs), also work to reduce the amount of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) in the body. In Wagyu, the ratio of unsaturated fats to saturated fats is higher than you will find in almost any other type of meat.
Reducing LDLs is important because they work to transport cholesterol throughout the body. Sometimes they push cholesterol onto your artery walls, which can lead to heart disease.
4. Increases HDLs
On the other end, Wagyu increases the number of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). HDLs carry cholesterol to your liver, which allows the liver to metabolize it, and eliminate it from your body. This means that indirectly, eating Wagyu may be able to reduce your chance of heart disease.
5. Contains CLA
Conjugated linoleic acid, also known as CLA, is another fatty acid found in Wagyu beef. CLA is often sold as a supplement and can be helpful with weight loss and heart health.
6. Decreases Risk of Heart Disease
Due to the high percentage of monounsaturated fat, Wagyu has levels of cholesterol lower than all other types of meat (surprisingly even lower than fish or chicken) There is also less saturated fat than other beef due to containing the enzyme delta 9-desaturase. This enzyme uses stearic acid (a saturated fatty acid) and transforms it into oleic acid (an unsaturated fatty acid). An interaction that can lead to a decrease in the risk of heart disease and stroke.
7. Potential for Weightloss
When it comes to nutrition, all fats provide 9 calories per gram of energy, while a diet of protein and carbs only offer 4 calories per gram. Therefore, reducing the amount of fat in your diet has long been a method of effectively reducing calorie intake and losing weight.
In the last few years, it was found that a diet with moderate-to-high amounts of monounsaturated fats may be able to help with weight loss. In fact, according to one study, a “diet high in MUFA promoted benefits on weight loss and body composition in women with obesity“. Additionally, it was found that diets high in MUFAs led to weight loss similar to what occurred in low-fat diets. This is also the mentality of the Keto diet. It is good to note that high-MUFA diets (like those with Wagyu), can be an effective method of losing weight, as long as you replace current calories and do not add more to the diet.
8. Protein
Protein also plays an integral role in maintaining a healthy and nutritious. Among other benefits, having sufficient protein can aid in sustaining energy, building muscle strength, and can keep you full for longer periods of time. Because Wagyu beef is loaded with 22 grams of protein (in a four-ounce serving), it can be a great option for those looking to be health conscious and watch their weight.
9. Wagyu Just Tastes Better
Due to its unique marbling, Wagyu beef just tastes better. Monounsaturated fatty acids also have a lower fat melting point. This leads the beef to have a smooth and tender feel. Not only will you enjoy the steak more, but you will be consuming more iron, healthy fats, and be at a decreased risk for type 2 diabetes. You may even find that you are losing extra body fat along the way.
Experience the Great Taste and Benefits of Wagyu For Yourself!