One of the major benefits of deer hunting: Venison is an excellent source for the important mineral Zinc, especially for men.
So far this season I have harvested a large doe. While it would be great to get a buck with trophy antlers for my wall, a doe gives me what I want: nutritious venison. I am happy with antlers or no antlers. The morning of this hunt, I was in my stand at 6:30AM and put the doe down at 7AM. This was thankfully quick. But as hunters know, when a deer hits the ground, the work is just beginning… next comes the field dress (gutting the deer) and then dragging the animal out of the woods or field, wherever you may be, and loading it into your vehicle. It’s a workout.
Hunter Gatherer
Hunting is a grim business, and it forces hunters to reach deep inside their primate brain and turn on the killer. Later, after eating the resulting healthy meal, they can appreciate the activity for what it’s worth, which is a lot, considering healthy grass-fed beef is about $8.00 to $9.00 per pound at the store. My venison ended up at $2.77 per pound after paying my processor to butcher this deer. When we access the hunter gatherer in us, we can help increase the quality of our lives for ourselves and our family and friends.
Nutrition
“The nutritional value of venison out-performs red meat in leanness, less fat and overall calories. Venison is high in essential amino acids and in addition, a rich source of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, iron, and zinc.” – Richard Andrew Kralj, M Ed., RDN, LDN, Food Safety and Quality Extension Educator, PennState Extension Venison, Is It For You? (psu.edu)
“Venison is a high-protein meat that is low in fat and total calories. B vitamins and zinc are the most significant nutrient the meat contains.” -Nutrition Advance 9 Health Benefits of Venison Meat (and Full Nutrition Facts) (nutritionadvance.com)
Zinc
“If your zinc levels are too low, you may see signs of deficiency, which can include hair loss, diarrhea, weight loss, brittle nails, difficulty concentrating, decreased sense of smell and taste, acne, among many other issues.” … “You don’t need much zinc, but it has so many benefits and can really affect how your body works,” said Rachel Harrison, a registered dietitian and certified nutrition support clinician at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. “It plays an important role in several zinc-dependent enzyme systems such as those involved in digestion, wound healing and DNA and RNA production.” -Banner Health 5 Things to Know About Zinc and Its Benefits | Banner Health
“Good news: You’re probably loading up on plenty of zinc through the foods you eat, and true zinc deficiency is uncommon in North America. Beef and poultry provide the majority of zinc in the American diet, and other good sources include beans, nuts, certain types of seafood, and fortified dairy products. People who struggle with eating disorders, alcoholism, and digestive diseases are most at risk for a true zinc deficiency, explains Jessica Crandall, RDN, CDE, founder of the Denver Wellness and Nutrition Center-Sodexo and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Symptoms can be severe, and may include diarrhea, hair loss, loss of appetite, and eye and skin lesions.” -Prevention 8 Zinc Deficiency Symptoms and Signs (prevention.com)
Zinc and the Prostate
Red meat is one of the most powerful sources of Zinc, and wild venison is one of the best quality and leanest red meats. Zinc is important for everyone, but for older men, it is particularly important for prostate health. Note that alcohol use inhibits Zinc absorption, so older guys that like their beer and whiskey really need to cut back on drinking – and perhaps go on the wagon for a spell.
How to Shrink Your Prostate Naturally: The #1 Nutrient You Need (Zinc)
Steps to enjoy great relief from enlarged prostate symptoms (Diet)
Ways to raise testosterone for free (talks about Zinc)
Atlas Great Outdoors 