Surprising Reasons Why You Should Eat Rabbit Meat

One of the funny things about our diets is that our cultures basically determine what is and isn’t acceptable to eat. For example, rabbit has been a dish humans have enjoyed for millions of years. But movies and TV shows (most aimed at children) present rabbits as cute little critters to keep as pets, and that makes many hesitate to chow down on Peter Cottontail. 

However, if you can get over those fuzzy memories of fuzzy-tailed critters and don’t have any ethical objections, rabbit is one of the best things you can eat. Don’t believe us when we say this needs to be a staple of your regular diet? Keep reading to discover the surprising reasons why you should eat rabbit meat!

A distinct but subdued flavor

We promised to cover all of the different reasons why you should eat rabbit meat, and that’s exactly what this guide will do. However, we know that you’re asking the big question now: does it taste any good? The answer is “yes, absolutely!,” and that ties into the first reason you should be cooking up some rabbit from time to time.

In short, this meat has a very distinct flavor…like chicken, but a bit earthier. It’s very tasty on its own, but this meat’s flavor is subdued enough that you can put it in many different dishes without overpowering the other ingredients. Once you start experimenting, you might be surprised at how many tasty rabbit recipes are out there waiting to be discovered!

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A low-sodium meal

If you’re thinking about cooking up some rabbit, you’re definitely a meat eater. But that leads to the next big question: why should you eat rabbits rather than the other kinds of meat that are available? There are many answers to that question, including the fact that rabbits are very low in sodium compared to the alternatives.

Too much sodium can lead to all kinds of health complications, especially when you’re older. This includes higher blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack or stroke. By switching rabbit for other meats in your favorite dishes, you can continue enjoying great meals without having to worry so much about the sodium.

Low-fat compared to other meats

People generally know that fat in food is a bad thing, but they mostly associate it with the risk of getting fat themselves. That’s only part of the equation, though. Foods high in fat can increase cholesterol and the risk of heart disease, all while causing weight gain. Over time, consuming these foods can even lead to everything from multiple sclerosis to diabetes.

But you guessed it: rabbit meat is very low in fat compared to other meats. That means you can eat more of this and less of other meats in order to naturally lower your fat. And considering how tasty rabbit is (sorry, Thumper!), your meals will be just as tasty as before.

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A powerful source of protein

All meat contains protein, but not all meats are created equal. Rabbit contains more protein than many of your meat alternatives. And consuming more protein can lead to a world of powerful health benefits.

For example, consuming more protein leads to healthier bones and can help you increase mass and strength (just ask your local bodybuilders). It also lowers your blood pressure and can keep your body physically fit as you age. Finally, all that protein, combined with rabbit being low in calories, helps you lose weight.

Rabbits contain fewer calories

No points for guessing this one, either: rabbit contains fewer calories than other types of meat. Obviously, eating lower-calorie foods can help you lose weight, but having fewer calories at a time doesn’t matter if you always go back for more snacks later (it’s not just us, right?).

So, why does rabbit keep those late-night snack cravings away? It all goes back to the fact that this meat is chock full of protein. Foods high in protein leave you feeling fuller for a much longer time. With rabbit, you get the best of both worlds: a high-protein, low-calorie food that leaves you full without packing on the pounds. Weight loss, here you come!

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Less bone, more meat

We’ve mostly been focusing on the health benefits of eating rabbit, but there are also some financial benefits. For example, if you are buying this meat from a butcher or simply catching it yourself, you’ll need to prepare it for cooking. And that means getting the meat off the bone.

Here’s a pleasant surprise: compared to many other animals, rabbits have a very high bone-to-meat ratio. That means you’re getting more for your money when it comes to buying meat. In turn, the meat will leave you feeling fuller for a longer time, which helps you potentially stretch the meat into several meals, furthering your savings.