Are you looking for a healthy snack option? Do you want to have a go-to snack while on a diet? Beef jerky is what you need! It is made from whole-muscle, lean cuts of beef that are cooked and dehydrated, giving it a long shelf life.
The jerky is marinated with different spices and undergoes various processing methods before being sold. Although considered a snack, it has many health benefits. One of the major advantages of beef jerky is that it is a preserved food, which means you can eat it anytime, anywhere.
However, there are a few downsides to this delicious and mouthwatering snack. In this blog, we will be discussing all about high protein beef jerky, its health benefits and more. Let's start exploring.
Is Beef Jerky Good for You: Know Its Health Benefits
As beef jerky is a processed food, you may wonder whether it is a healthy option for snacking or not. As it is a natural source of protein, zinc, iron, and other important nutrients required by your body, many consider it a healthy food option. Let's have a look at its benefits:
Is Beef Jerky High in Protein?
Protein is an essential nutrient found in meats, nuts, and legumes. It helps create and repair cells. However, it does not stay in your body longer, like carbs and fats. Therefore, daily consumption of protein is crucial for your health. Beef jerky is considered a good source of protein, with over 6 grams available per serving. Other than protein it also possesses small amounts of manganese, molybdenum, and pantothenic acid.
Good Source of Zinc
Your body absorbs zinc from animal sources more easily than plant-based foods. Beef jerky, which is an animal-sourced food, contains zinc that supports the immune system and maintains energy levels. It contains about 2.3 milligrams of zinc per ounce, which makes it a better option than other snack items.
Is Beef Jerky Healthy Source of Iron?
Are you still wondering "is beef jerky healthy" for you. You might know that iron deficiency is common these days, especially in women. This nutrient is responsible for producing hemoglobin in your body. So, if you are someone suffering from iron deficiency and on the lookout for iron-rich snack products, beef jerky can be your best portable option.
It is a quick iron source and contains high levels of heme iron. Heme is a type of iron found in animal products that aids in hemoglobin production. It also assists in delivering oxygen by red blood cells throughout your body.
Long Shelf Life
Beef jerky is made by dehydrating the meat and adding salt to prevent bacterial growth. This may concern a few people and lead them to think, "is beef jerky good for you". However, salt is added to maintain its long shelf life and keep it preserved. You can store it for a long time and consume it whenever required. However, once you open the packet, make sure to consume it as early as possible to prevent it from getting spoiled.
So, if you are one of those people who are always searching for healthy and easy to carry food items while traveling, beef jerky is a must try.
Is Beef Jerky Bad for You: Downsides
A major downside of beef jerky is that it contains high amounts of sodium. Salt is used to preserve the meat, which leads to the high density of sodium. One ounce of serving contains about 20% of the daily recommended sodium intake. Taking high amounts of sodium can cause water retention, leading to bloating and weight gain.
So, you might think "is beef jerky bad for you” keeping in mind the amount of sodium it contains. Consuming too much beef jerky over time can cause other health conditions such as an enlarged heart, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and kidney stones. So, people with severe health issues must get the advice of an expert if they are consuming beef jerky regularly.
Conclusion
Beef jerky is an easy, on-the-go snack packed with protein and other essential nutrients. It helps you to meet your daily protein requirement in a very easy manner. However, you must keep in mind that it is a processed meat that is high in sodium, so taking it in moderation is the key. You can balance your meat consumption as per your body's requirements and enjoy this go-to snack while maintaining your nutrient intake.
