Understand The Nutritional Value Of Beef Jerky

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Beef Jerky is the healthiest snack that a person can consume. For body builders, it is said to be a healthier alternative for protein bars. This has grabbed attention and made it popular in the sports community.


What is jerky?


Jerky is a traditional food and the word comes from Spanish word ‘Charqui’ meaning jerked meat. Jerky is a dense meat of any kind that is full of nutrient. It has been made light weight by drying. As moisture is removed to a great extent, it can be refrigerated.


It can even be used as food for backpackers, who go mountain climbing, fishing, camping, trekking, etc. Basically, jerky is made using beef, but turkey and pork are also used to make jerky.


How is curing solution beneficial?


Curing solution is made from water, salt and sodium nitrite. Curing solution allows better taste and long shell life. It is liable for the attractive colour and even prevents the development of harmful bacteria.


Is beef jerky good for athletes ...
... and does it aid recovery?


Beef jerky is cured product, which is regarded as high energy snack, which can fuel you through intense exercise bout or vigorous workout. According to studies, an average men and women need to consume approximately 56 and 46 gm of protein foods, respectively.


If the meat is A-grade then a single serving will include 8 to 15 gm of protein along with other minerals and vitamins. Many athletes choose these as snacks because it genuinely offers them with the necessary extra boost. Human bodies depend on protein for enzymes and building tissue to heal wounds naturally.


Sodium can be a concern - How to overcome it?


Salt is used a lot in preparing beef jerky. For example, a 28 gm portion of cured beef can have 626 mg of salt. It is recommended that an average healthy adult needs 2,300 mg of sodium daily.


People on low-sodium diet must consume just 1,500 mg salt in a day and high sodium content can cause high BP and risk of stroke. Therefore check on sodium levels and balance your daily servings, accordingly to be safe.

Before you buy check the nutrition label


Calories & micronutrients


Dried or lean beef jerky is loaded with proteins but low in calories and fats.


A 28 gm portion of beef jerky gives you -

13 gm protein

80 gm calories

Less than 2 gm fat

Less than 1 gm unhealthy saturated fat

5 gm carbohydrates (low in carb)

Iron


Iron encourages production of RBC and beef jerky provides 1.8 mg iron in 28 gm serving. Iron in the beef is in heme form, which can be absorbed easily by human body.


Zinc


Zinc is a necessary mineral that helps your body to heal the wounds. One ounce serving of beef jerky offers 2.3 mg of zinc.


Vitamin B12


Vitamin B12 is crucial for the health of RBC. 100 gm of beef jerky serving gives 1 mg of B12.


Valuable tips

Opt for low sodium versions because they are more nutritious

Choose beef jerky that has very low level of saturated fats

Is commercially produced beef jerky safe?


Yes, because the beef preparation process is strictly conducted in a federally inspected plant. Commercially packed beef jerky, may be dried, oven dried, cured and maybe smoked, but can be stored for 12 months in comparison to home dried jerky, which has a shelf life of 1 to 2 months.


Top Herd Jerky Co. supplies outrageously tasty healthy snacks. Their beef jerky are prepared from 100% natural ingredients for curing and air drying. Their jerky is a low carb snack but is regarded as one of the best high protein foods.