Is buffalo anti-inflammatory? A closer look at the nutritional evidence

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Compared to conventional beef, some studies suggest that buffalo meat possesses a more favorable fatty acid profile, with a potentially lower pro-inflammatory impact. But is buffalo anti-inflammatory enough to be a staple in your diet? This article delves into the nutritional factors that give buffalo meat and milk their reputed health benefits.

Quick Summary

Buffalo meat and milk contain beneficial compounds like anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, CLA, and selenium. These nutrients, combined with a leaner profile and better omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, give buffalo a distinct advantage over beef regarding inflammation and cardiovascular health.

Key Points

Rich in Omega-3s: Buffalo meat, particularly grass-fed, offers higher levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventional beef.
Contains CLA: The presence of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in buffalo meat contributes to its anti-inflammatory effects.
Better Omega Ratio: Buffalo meat has a more favorable omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio, which helps regulate the body's inflammatory response.
Packed with Antioxidants: Essential nutrients like selenium and zinc found in buffalo meat combat oxidative stress, a key driver of inflammation.
Leaner than Beef: Buffalo meat is lower in total fat and saturated fat than beef, making it a healthier red meat alternative for cardiovascular health.
Milk has Anti-Inflammatory Compounds: Research indicates that buffalo milk contains compounds like delta-valerobetaine, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.

The Case for Buffalo: Understanding its Anti-Inflammatory Compounds

Chronic inflammation is a leading contributor to many health issues, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Diet plays a pivotal role in managing or exacerbating inflammation, and not all red meats are created equal. Buffalo, or bison, meat and milk contain several key compounds that provide anti-inflammatory effects.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acid Balance

The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in a diet is crucial for modulating inflammatory responses. A balanced ratio is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, whereas a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, typical in Western diets, can promote inflammation. Wild or grass-fed buffalo meat typically has a more favorable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio than conventionally raised, grain-fed beef. This is because grazing animals that feed on grass and forbs naturally produce a better balance of these fats in their tissues.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

Buffalo meat is a natural source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fatty acid with documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Specifically, CLA has been shown to potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers and positively influence body composition. While the CLA content can vary depending on the animal's diet and fat content, range-fed bison (a type of buffalo) has been shown to have a higher CLA content compared to feedlot-fed beef.

Antioxidants and Minerals

Beyond healthy fats, buffalo meat is also rich in essential nutrients that combat oxidative stress, a process that can trigger inflammation. Key among these are:

Selenium: An antioxidant mineral that protects cells from damage and helps regulate the immune system.
Zinc: Crucial for immune function and wound healing.
Vitamin B12: Essential for red blood cell production and nervous system function, and typically higher in buffalo than beef.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Buffalo Milk

In addition to meat, research has also explored the anti-inflammatory potential of buffalo milk. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry investigated the effects of a compound in buffalo milk called delta-valerobetaine ($\delta$VB). The in vitro results demonstrated that buffalo milk extracts, enriched with $\delta$VB, significantly decreased markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in endothelial cells, suggesting health-promoting properties.

Comparison: Buffalo vs. Beef

To understand the comparative health benefits of buffalo meat, it is helpful to contrast its nutritional profile with that of conventional beef. The differences in fat content and fatty acid composition are particularly significant for inflammation.


Feature	Buffalo Meat	Beef (Conventionally Raised)
Fat Content	Significantly lower; often 1.6-2.4%	Higher; often 5.3% or more
Saturated Fat	Lower	Higher
Omega-3s	Higher, especially grass-fed	Lower, especially grain-fed
Omega-6:Omega-3 Ratio	More favorable (lower)	Less favorable (higher)
CLA Content	Higher	Lower
Protein	Slightly higher per ounce	Lower per ounce
Cholesterol	Lower	Higher

The lower fat and saturated fat content, coupled with a better ratio of omega fatty acids, contributes to a lower atherogenic risk and less oxidative stress compared to beef consumption.

Culinary Considerations for an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Making buffalo meat a part of an anti-inflammatory diet involves mindful preparation and pairing with other healthy foods. Here are some tips:

Mind the cooking method: Since buffalo meat is leaner, it can cook faster and become dry if overcooked. Use lower cooking temperatures for a more succulent result, or use a marinade to retain moisture.
Pair with anti-inflammatory foods: Combine buffalo meat with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. A salad with buffalo steak strips, spinach, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette is an excellent anti-inflammatory meal.
Use it in place of other red meats: Ground buffalo can be used as a healthier substitute for ground beef in many recipes, from burgers to tacos. This is an easy way to reduce saturated fat and increase beneficial nutrients.

Conclusion: A Nutritious Choice for Managing Inflammation

The evidence suggests that yes, buffalo (bison) meat possesses anti-inflammatory properties, particularly when sourced from grass-fed animals. Its favorable omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio, along with a higher content of CLA and antioxidants like selenium, provides a clear nutritional advantage over conventionally raised beef. This makes it a compelling option for those seeking healthier red meat choices as part of an anti-inflammatory diet. It's important to remember that sourcing matters; grass-fed varieties offer the most significant anti-inflammatory benefits. By incorporating buffalo into a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, you can actively support your body in fighting inflammation.

For further research on the direct comparison between bison and beef and its effect on inflammation markers, you can explore studies published in scientific journals. This study from ScienceDirect provides a detailed look into the topic.

Summary of Buffalo's Anti-Inflammatory Role

Favorable Fat Profile: Compared to beef, buffalo meat generally has lower total fat, less saturated fat, and a superior omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, which is beneficial for reducing inflammation.

Rich in Omega-3s: Grass-fed buffalo meat contains higher levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, supporting brain and heart health.

High in CLA: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties, is found in higher concentrations in buffalo meat, especially in range-fed animals.

Packed with Antioxidants: Minerals like selenium and zinc found in buffalo meat and milk act as antioxidants, helping to protect against cellular damage that can trigger inflammation.

Buffalo Milk Benefits: Research on buffalo milk has identified specific compounds, such as delta-valerobetaine, that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Supports Heart Health: Studies have shown that consuming buffalo meat is associated with a lower atherogenic risk and less oxidative stress compared to beef.

Frequently Asked Questions

For nutritional purposes in North America, the terms bison and buffalo are often used interchangeably. Research suggests that bison meat, especially from grass-fed animals, offers significant anti-inflammatory benefits due to its fatty acid profile, which is consistent with the benefits attributed to 'buffalo' meat.

Buffalo meat is considerably leaner than beef. It contains less fat, cholesterol, and calories. For example, some comparisons show buffalo meat with significantly less total and saturated fat than comparable cuts of beef.

Yes, for many individuals, switching from conventionally raised beef to grass-fed buffalo can help reduce overall inflammation. The combination of lower saturated fat and a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio in buffalo meat can lead to lower markers of inflammation.

CLA, or conjugated linoleic acid, is a fatty acid found in the meat and milk of ruminant animals. It is considered beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. Grass-fed buffalo contains higher levels of CLA compared to conventional beef.

Yes, studies have shown that buffalo milk contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, the metabolite delta-valerobetaine (δVB) in buffalo milk has demonstrated efficacy in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in vitro.

Beyond beneficial fatty acids, buffalo meat is a great source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins like B12. It also contains selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent oxidative stress and supports immune function.

Yes, diet plays a crucial role. Buffalo raised on grass and rangelands typically produce meat with a more favorable fatty acid composition, including a higher concentration of anti-inflammatory omega-3s and CLA, compared to grain-fed animals.