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It's easy to get answers about health and nutrition! Just send your question by email to [email protected] and Dr. Harlan will respond to selected questions of general interest. Answers will be posted in the Ask Dr. Gourmet newsletter (sign up now!) and archived in the Ask Dr. Gourmet section of the website.

Please note that the Ask Dr. Gourmet feature is restricted to questions regarding food and nutrition. Due to the many questions we receive, not all questions may be answered. For more specific questions about your individual health, please contact your doctor. About Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

 


 

Ask Dr. Gourmet

Is goat, venison or buffalo as bad for you as other red meats?

I understand the latest reports on the problems that may follow a diet high in red meat consumption. I don't eat a lot of beef, but I wonder what goat meat, venison or buffalo are considered to be as far as "red" meats are concerned. Are they good substitutes for beef? No mention of them is made in any of the reports I read.

Dr. Gourmet Says...

Hamburger

For purposes of the research that has been reported on in the news recently, the studies include all types of red meats, including beef and products made from beef or pork such as salami or sausage. There is no specific mention of wild meat consumption in the research, however.

While the meats that you mention will be leaner than such red meats, it's a good idea to consume less of them as well as eating more fish. A good rule of thumb is to have fish or seafood about 3 times a week, red meat once (yes, game such as venison, goat, or buffalo are considered red meat) and the other three days alternate between a vegetarian meal and poultry.

Thanks for writing,

Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS
Dr Gourmet