WildnSwole is reader-supported. When you buy through links on my site I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Is Wagyu beef healthy?
That’s a question that has been debated for years.
Some people say that the fat content in Wagyu is unhealthy, while others believe that it’s no different, or even better than other types of beef.
In this article, we’ll look at thirteen health benefits of eating Wagyu beef.
You might be surprised by some of them!
Table of Contents
The Health Benefits of Wagyu Beef
Here are 13 human health benefits of Wagyu beef.
Some of these include that Wagyu is a good source of protein and has a high amount of Omega-6 fatty acids such as arachidonic acid.
It is also lower in saturated fat than other types of beef.
Plus it’s a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
1. A Good Source of Protein
Protein is essential for your body to build and repair tissues, make enzymes and hormones, and maintain fluid balance.
High protein levels help you to stay healthy and strong.
2. High Amounts of Essential Fatty Acids
Wagyu fat has a great essential fatty acid composition that is comparable to olive oil.
This means that it has a lot of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
This is great for your health because these types of fats can help improve your HDL cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
3. Lower in Saturated Fat Than Other Types of Beef
The Wagyu breed of cattle is prized for its low levels of saturated fat.
This is due to the presence of delta 9-desaturase, which takes stearic acid (saturated fatty acid) and converts it into oleic acid (unsaturated fatty acid).
This results in beef that has less saturated fat, with elevated oleic acid.
4. Good Source of Iron and Zinc
Iron and zinc are both important nutrients for your body.
Iron helps your body make red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all of your tissues.
Zinc is important for a strong immune system and for cell growth.
5. A Premium Richly Marbled Beef
Wagyu is a very high-quality, richly marbled beef.
It is prized for its umami flavor, tenderness, and juiciness.
Wagyu beef is made from a special breed of cattle that is native to Japan.
The cattle are fed a special diet and are allowed to roam freely.
And unlike other beef, Wagyu contains more intramuscular fat cells with a lower fat melting point.
This results in very high-quality, richly marbled beef due to its more relaxed state.
It is considered to be one of the finest beef in the world.
It is very expensive, but it is worth it for the flavor and tenderness that it provides.
6. Good Source of B Vitamins
B vitamins are important for many things in the body, including energy production, metabolism, and nervous system function.
Wagyu meat is especially high in vitamin B12, which is important for red blood cell production and nervous system function.
Vitamin B12 is usually found only in animal foods, so wagyu beef is an easy way to get this nutrient if you don’t like to eat a lot of red meat.
Wagyu also contains other B vitamins, including niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin.
7. Helps To Lower Cholesterol Levels
Wagyu beef helps to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels because it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids.
On top of having high levels of unsaturated fats, it is also a good source of protein and vitamins.
This makes it a healthier option for those who are looking to lower their cholesterol levels.
Additionally, it is a rich source of oleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help lower LDL and increase HDL cholesterol.
Wagyu also contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from cholesterol.
8. Improves Heart Health
A helpful fatty acid found in Wagyu beef is conjugated linoleic acid (Omega 6 fatty acids).
Conjugated linoleic acid has been observed to improve heart health by reducing bad cholesterol and promoting weight loss.
This can help to keep the heart functioning optimally and reduce the risk of heart disease and coronary disease.
9. Boost the Immune System
The reason why Wagyu is good for the immune system is that it has a high fatty acid profile.
These healthy fats help the body to fight off infection and disease.
Its high amounts of essential amino acids also aid with immune function.
These protein blocks help the body to build and repair tissues and make enzymes and hormones.
10. Promotes Healthy Skin
Wagyu contains a higher percentage of monounsaturated fats than other beef, which makes it a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
These fatty acids are beneficial for the skin, as they help to keep it hydrated and protect it from UV radiation.
Additionally, Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation and the appearance of wrinkles.
11. Reduces Inflammation
This is because wagyu beef contains a type of fat called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
CLA has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body.
12. Protects Against Cancer
The fats in Wagyu beef are mostly unsaturated, which means they can actually help lower your cholesterol levels.
And the antioxidants in Wagyu beef can help scavenge harmful toxins and free radicals that could damage cells and lead to cancer.
13. Improves Brain Health
Wagyu beef contains high levels of monounsaturated fat, which is good for the brain.
The brain is made up of mostly fat, so it needs healthy fats to function properly.
Monounsaturated fats help keep the brain healthy by protecting it from damage and promoting cell growth.
As mentioned previously, Wagyu also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain health.
Omega-3 fatty acids help improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and protect the brain from age-related damage.
Nutrition Facts of Wagyu Beef
Here are the estimated nutrition facts per 4 ounces of Japanese Wagyu Beef:
- Total Calories: 218
- Total Fats: 14.02 g
- Saturated Fats: 6.28 g
- Poly Unsaturated Fats: 0.56 g
- Mono Unsaturated Fats: 5.98 g
- Trans Fats: 0.53 g
- Protein: 23.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Sodium: 72.96 mg
- Potassium: 416.16 mg
- Cholesterol: 67.26 mg
- Iron: 14.19% of Daily Value
- Zinc: 5 mg
- Calcium: 0.46% of Daily Value
- Vitamin B12: 3 mg
%’s based on a daily intake of 2,000 calories.
Potential Risks of Eating Wagyu Beef
There are a few potential risks associated with eating Wagyu beef.
One is that the beef may contain harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, which can cause food poisoning.
Another risk is that eating large portions of Wagyu beef may be high in fat and cholesterol, which can contribute to heart disease and other health problems.
To avoid this try to stick to the recommended daily red meat intake (usually 3-6 oz per week) suggested by your nutritionist or other medical advisors.
Finally, some people may be allergic to Wagyu beef, and consuming it can lead to anaphylactic shock.
While the risks are relatively low, it’s important to be aware of them before eating Wagyu beef.
If you have any concerns, please consult with a medical professional.
How To Cook Wagyu beef
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Season Wagyu beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add Wagyu beef to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned.
- Transfer Wagyu beef to a baking dish and bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Serve Wagyu beef with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook Wagyu beef, look no further!
This simple method will have you enjoying succulent, flavorful beef in no time.
Just remember to season the beef well before cooking, and don’t overcook it – Wagyu beef is best-enjoyed medium-rare.
(Check out my cooking tips for wild boar meat.)
Recipes for Wagyu beef
If you’re looking for an indulgent and luxurious Wagyu beef dish, look no further.
This meat is known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor, thanks to the high levels of marbling.
In the following video, Guga shows you how to prepare Wagyu using a simple pan-searing and grilled method.
So why not give them a try?
The History of Wagyu Beef
Wagyu is a type of beef that comes from Japanese cattle breeds.
Wagyu cattle are a genetically predisposed breed of cattle that are known for their high-quality meat.
The word “Wagyu” comes from the Japanese word “Wa” which means “Japanese” and “gyu” which means “cow”.
Wagyu first originated in Japan.
However, in recent years, it has become more popular in other countries as well.
One of the reasons why this beef is so popular is because it is known for being very tender and flavorful.
In fact, many people say that Wagyu is the best-tasting beef in the world.
This is largely due to the fact that farmers raise and harvest these cattle humanely in a relaxed environment.
There are several different types of Wagyu beef, including Kobe beef, Matsusaka beef, and Omi beef.
Kobe beef is the most famous type and it comes from the Kobe region of Japan.
Matsusaka beef is also very high-quality and it comes from the Matsusaka region of Japan.
Omi beef is another high-quality variation and it comes from the Omi region of Japan.
Different Types of Wagyu Cattle
There are four types of Wagyu cattle: Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Polled, and American Wagyu.
Japanese Black Wagyu is the most common type of Wagyu, accounting for about 90% of all Wagyu cattle.
They are a breed of Japanese cow and have black coats with a few white markings.
Japanese Brown Wagyu is also bred in Japan and have brown coats with some white markings.
They make up about 7% of all Wagyu cattle.
Japanese Polled Wagyu are a rare breed of cattle that are bred in Japan.
They have black coats and are polled, meaning they do not have horns.
Only about 3% of all Wagyu cattle are Japanese Polled.
American Wagyu is a breed of cattle that was developed in the United States from Japanese Wagyu stock.
They have black or brown coats and can be either horned or polled.
American Wagyu make up about 0.5% of all Wagyu cattle.
In the US, Wagyu is oftentimes crossbred with other cattle breeds such as Angus cattle.
And they can actually be labeled as Wagyu instead of Angus beef.
Although still very tasty, this doesn’t meet the same beef marbling standard.
Buying and Storing Wagyu Beef
When buying Wagyu, be sure to ask the butcher how long it will keep.
Raw Wagyu can last 3-5 days in the fridge, or 4-12 months in the freezer.
If you’re going to freeze your Wagyu, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
This will help keep the meat from drying out.
When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Then, cook it however you like!
Wagyu is delicious no matter how you prepare it.
FAQs About Wagyu beef
Is Wagyu Beef More Unhealthy?
Some people might say that Wagyu beef is more unhealthy than lean meats because it is fatty.
However, Wagyu is not necessarily unhealthy if eaten in moderation with a healthy diet.
In fact, it has a lot of good fat, such as mono-unsaturated fat, poly-unsaturated fat, and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid).
On top of that, it is high in protein and contains nearly zero carbs.
Is Wagyu Better Than Normal Beef?
There are a lot of opinions on this topic, but the answer is ultimately subjective.
Wagyu beef is known for being especially tender and flavorful, but not all beef is created equal.
It really depends on what you’re looking for in your beef.
If you’re looking for something special and unique, then Wagyu is definitely worth trying.
However, if you’re just looking for a good, solid piece of meat, then there’s no need to spend the extra money.
You can find plenty of delicious options that will fit your budget.
Whichever way you go, make sure to enjoy your beef!
Is Wagyu Beef Good for Weight Loss?
Wagyu beef is a high-fat meat, and therefore may not be the best choice for someone who is trying to lose weight.
However, proponents of this beef say that the high-quality fat in the meat helps you feel full after eating it, which can help you eat less overall.
This could help you with losing extra body fat.
Ultimately, whether or not Wagyu is good for losing weight depends on the individual’s daily calorie intake, specific dietary needs, and goals.
Is Wagyu Beef Lean or Fatty?
Fatty. Wagyu beef is a high-fat meat and is not considered to be a lean protein.
Give Wagyu Meat a Try!
So, is Wagyu healthy?
The answer is a resounding “yes!”
Wagyu beef offers many health benefits, some of which are backed by scientific evidence including the Department of Animal Science at WSU.
If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious way to create a balanced diet with protein and fats, look no further than Wagyu beef!
Sources:
https://www.livestrong.com/article/349495-wagyu-beef-nutrition/
https://bodynutrition.org/conjugated-linoleic-acid-benefits/
https://www.restartmed.com/cla-weight-loss/
https://www.lonemountainwagyu.com/blogs/blog/the-important-health-benefits-of-wagyu-beef
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/conjugated-linoleic-acid
