What Are the Health Benefits of Japanese Wagyu Beef?

Japanese Wagyu Beef is recognized around the world for its exquisite flavor and unmatched quality—but did you know that it’s also known for a wide array of health benefits? Believe it or not, the health benefits of Japanese Wagyu are extensive and scientifically proven, making it the healthiest meat around. 

Let’s talk about the impressive health benefits that, along with a distinctly rich flavor and tenderness, put Japanese Wagyu Beef in a class of its own. 

Saturated vs. Unsaturated Fats: How They Differ

Before we dive into the different characteristics of Japanese Wagyu Beef and the associated health benefits, it’s important you understand the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats. All foods with fat contain a mix of different fats, both healthy and unhealthy.

Saturated fats, along with trans fats, are considered unhealthy and can be found in foods like butter, cheese, and most red meats. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends aiming for a diet that consists of 5% to 6% of calories from saturated fat, or about 13 grams per day. Trans fats should be avoided, as they’re known to increase cholesterol, create inflammation, and heighten the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.

So, what about the good fats?

Unsaturated fats are broken down into two categories: monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These fats come primarily from vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fish. Good sources of MUFAs are olive oil, canola oil, avocados, peanut oil, and most nuts. PUFAs are essential fats, which means they’re required for us to function, but aren’t naturally produced by our bodies. That’s why we need to get them through our diet.

The Amazing Health Benefits of Japanese Wagyu Beef

You guessed it: Japanese Wagyu Beef is packed full of protein, iron, amino acids, and healthy unsaturated fats like omega-3 and omega-6. In fact, Wagyu contains 300% more monounsaturated fats than normal beef due to the high marbling, and actually has the lowest cholesterol of all meats, including chicken and fish. These nutrients ultimately help contribute to:

Improved Heart Health

Poor diet, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity all contribute to increased risk of heart disease. Fortunately, unlike most red meats, the oleic acid found in Wagyu Beef and other foods high in MUFA are linked to reducing blood pressure and inflammation. That means you can enjoy delicious Wagyu, without worrying about increasing your risk of heart disease in the process!

Lower “Bad” Cholesterol

Did you know that just like there are good and bad fats, that are also good and fat cholesterol? Many foods rich in cholesterol, such as eggs, unprocessed meats, and cheese, are highly nutritious and full of health benefits. Wagyu not only increases good cholesterol, but also helps lower bad cholesterol that’s linked to fried foods, processed foods, and sugary desserts. Studies have shown highly marbled Wagyu Beef can lower bad cholesterol, while also increasing good cholesterol and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Reduced Chronic Disease Risk

Because Japanese Wagyu is rich in the MUFA omega-3, it not only protects against heart disease, but also arthritis, depression, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, and more. Plus, omega-6 improves the immune system and can even help prevent and fight against certain cancers. Additionally, foods that are high in unsaturated fats have proven to help aid in weight loss efforts, reducing the risk of obesity and associated conditions.

Enhanced Nutrients for Women

Another added benefit, Japanese Wagyu contains heme iron, a necessary nutrient for women that’s easily absorbed and effective for preventing anemia and other health problems. Japanese Wagyu Beef also contains serotonin, which helps the mind, and carcinine, which helps break down fat, preserve the sense of taste, and promote wound healing. Lastly, Wagyu contains zinc and a variety of B vitamins, which are energizing and good for the immune system.

It may sound too good to be true, but believe us when we say it’s not—Japanese Wagyu is as equally healthy as it is delicious. Check out WAGYUMAN’s collection of premium Japanese Wagyu Beef, available in a variety of cuts and delivered straight to your door. Before long, you’ll be enjoying a flavorful, heart-healthy meal that tastes like it came from a high-end steakhouse!