Texan Scientists Determine Brisket Is Healthy, Somewhat Suspiciously

brisket
Cole Saladino/Thrillist
Cole Saladino/Thrillist

Out of the state known for its own eponymous style of barbecue comes the news that brisket, that primal cut of fatty beef, is actually totally healthy for you. Surprise!

The Texas A&M research group, headed up by Dr. Stephen Smith (a professor in the animal science department), determined that brisket has high levels of oleic acid, which helps regulate cholesterol levels. That oleic acid-rich moist meat bark can also help reduce heart disease by raising levels of "good" cholesterol (also known as high-density lipoprotein) while lowering "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein). This certainly bodes well for for burger eaters since, according to Smith, "The brisket has become one of the preferred trims to produce ground beef."

Oleic acid can also be found in canola and olive oils, the latter of which is actually considered a health food. So Texans only really need to justify eating brisket at this juncture.

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Carrie Dennis is a Food and Drink editor for Thrillist. Follow her on Twitter @CarrrieDennnis.