Brisket May Actually Be Healthier Than Previously Thought

Biting into a thick and juicy piece of meat isn’t always the best for your cholesterol levels.

But, as we know, there’s a good and a bad kind of cholesterol. While we know that eating red meat can increase our levels of bad cholesterol, according to recent findings, beef brisket—the cut of meat that comes from the breast/lower chest area of a cow—may help raise the good levels of cholesterol.

So, the next time you’re craving a juicy burger, you may want to ensure it’s made from brisket. According to Texas A&M AgriLife research scientist Dr. Stephen Smith, there are high levels of oleic acid in brisket meat that help to increase levels of HDL, the good kind of cholesterol. Oleic acid is found in other “good fats” like olive oil.

As Smith told Food & Wine, “Brisket has higher oleic acid than the flank or plate, which are the trims typically used to produce ground beef,” he said, adding that “Americans consume over 50 percent of their beef as ground beef.”

SF Gate also reports that “both MayoClinic.com and BeefNutrition.org report that the USDA categorizes a flat cut brisket as a lean cut of beef. A single serving of flat cut beef brisket also provides a variety of essential nutrients.”

If you’re more likely to choose ground beef over a cut of meat like brisket, you may want to experiment with some brisket recipes or ask your butcher to grind brisket into ground beef.

1. Slow Cooker Brisket & Onions

It doesn’t get easier than throwing this cut of meat in your slow-cooker. Get the recipe.

2. Barbecue Brisket

Barbecue sauce and lean meat? Yep, this is the perfect pairing. Get the recipe.

3. Brisket & Veggies

You want an all-around healthy meal? Pair your brisket with veggies. Get the recipe.

[h/t: Food & Wine]

Photo by BrownGuacamole