Beef is normally considered as unhealthy and therefore people are not encouraged to have it regularly. Those who shun this advice from doctors are later found to be suffering from the effects of high cholesterol. However, this has not deterred beef lovers to avoid it altogether because the taste of beef is such that, it sends the taste buds reeling. Therefore, people continue to have it though occasionally.
However, a new beef breed is making quite a wave among the food lovers. It is known as Wagyu, a Japanese word meaning Japanese cattle. Most people are familiar with Kobe beef, which is considered as the most popular form of Wagyu.
The taste of Wagyu is so good that it captivates your taste buds. Those who have tasted it once would never be able to have any other beef. It would only be Wagyu form now on. People love the tenderness and flavor of this beef, which is described by several as smooth caramel/buttery flavor.
The USP of Wagyu beef is its extremely high degree of marbled fat. Marbling is nothing but fine textured fat found within its muscle. Marbling is the reason for its smooth texture and sweet flavor. It is also an important factor for Wagyu being a healthy diet. This means the higher the degree of marbling the more tender, delicious and healthier the beef would be.
What makes Wagyu beef healthy is the fact that when compared to other beef breeds it has a higher ratio of monounsaturated fats than saturated fats. This high level of monounsaturated fats helps in reducing cholesterol levels in the body. According to Dr. Tim Crowe, dietician and lecturer, Deakin University, “Even the saturated fat contained in WAGYU is different. Forty percent is in a version called stearic acid, which is regarded as having a minimal impact in raising cholesterol levels.
As per USDA grading system, beef would be considered as ‘prime beef’ only if it has 6-8 percent of marbled fat. Wagyu beef is believed to have 20-25 percent of marbled fat. And as far as the Australian grading system is concerned, the grading was raised to nine from six with the introduction of Wagyu breed. All this proves that Wagyu beef is a good low cholesterol diet.