Beef jerky is a trendy snack among people. It is made by cutting thin strips of meat which is then cured and marinated using different sauces. It is very delicious and eaten at all times of the day. But is it healthy? Keep reading to know more.
What is beef jerky?
Beef jerky is a beef cut lean and marinated with different sauces, spices, and additives. It is made using various methods like curing, smoking (under 160 degrees Fahrenheit), and drying. They are then cut into strips and packed. The meat used to make jerky primarily is beef, bison, elk/venison, and turkey.
Beef jerky appears expensive for the respective size purchased given that the jerky shrinks in weight as the product is dried. In terms of nutritional benefits, it packs the same nutrients as the much larger, original piece. At Hi Country Snack Foods, we use 100% Northern Rockies, USA beef in our jerky - not every company can make the same claim. We use high quality spices and employ many local residents in our Lincoln, MT plant. You can easily buy it from any nearby grocery, convenient store, or specialty store. At the Hi-Country Trading Post, it is available in different variants like Tendersliced, Cowboy Cut, Beef Jerky Bites, Super Slab, Beef Pucks or Western Inspired Sausage Sticks.
Nutritional facts about beef jerky -
Beef jerky has 116 Calories, protein (9.4 grams), fat (7.3 grams), carbohydrates (3.1g), fiber (0.5g), zinc (21%), choline (6%), niacin (3%), vitamin B12 (12%), phosphorus (9%), folate (9%), thiamine (4%), selenium (5%), iron (8%), magnesium (3%), potassium (4%), copper (7%), and riboflavin (3%). Manganese, molybdenum, and pantothenic acid are present in very small amounts in beef jerky.
Benefits of beef jerky -
There are different benefits of eating beef jerky. Some of them are given below.
Can be eaten as a gym snack or an in-between snack - Many people eat jerky as an in-between snack - between meals. But it can also be eaten as a gym snack, during your session. It contains a good amount of protein, zinc, and iron while being low on fat. It is perfect for eating before, after, or during the gym.
Less fat - Beef jerky consists of a low amount of fat. Most of the fat present in beef is removed in curing. The beef jerky is almost 97% fat-free.
More protein - Beef jerky constitutes a high amount of protein. As per sources, 100 grams of beef jerky contains about 33.2 grams of protein.
Have better preservative - Beef jerky is made by curing and marinated with spices and sauces. The salt works as a natural preservative.
Increases immunity - The zinc and iron present in beef help to boost the immune system. Iron results in increased production of red blood cells, while zinc helps the body heal internally.
Doesn't increase insulin - Beef jerky does not contain a lot of fat or preservatives. Hence, it does not increase insulin levels in the blood and does not result in weight gain.
Can be stored for long - While manufacturing beef jerky, it is cured and shelf stable. Almost all the moisture is removed from the beef during this process, and without water, bacteria will not grow. Beef jerky can be stored for about two years if packed properly. After opening, it should be used within 1 or 2 weeks.
Why is beef jerky good for health?
Beef jerky has large amounts of protein, which are regarded as the body's building blocks. Protein also increases muscle mass muscle strength and keeps hunger levels low as it reduces craving, which helps in weight loss. Beef jerky also contains a low amount of fats and carbohydrates.
Low carbs help in weight loss and reduce appetite. It also protects the brain and prevents serious illnesses like heart diseases, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Beef jerky can be eaten as an in-between snack and a gym snack. This is because it is a high-energy snack. It is suitable for people who follow a keto or paleo diet.
Also, beef jerky has a good amount of iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and folate. Iron boosts immunity and helps in regulating the temperature of the body. It generates energy and increases the production of red blood cells. Vitamin C helps to control high blood pressure and uric acid levels; it is good for the skin, boosts immunity and helps to retain memory. Vitamin A helps maintain the health of the eyes and is important for the development and health of bones. It promotes growth and reduces skin issues like acne.
Calcium is required for healthy bones, and it is required for the proper working of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Calcium can also help prevent various types of cancers, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Zinc helps increase immunity and is also required to synthesize protein and DNA, which helps in the quick healing of wounds. It is also required for the overall growth and development of the body.
Phosphorus helps keep bones and teeth healthy; it helps in the quick recovery of muscles after exercise. Phosphorus also helps remove waste and toxins from the body; it is important for the production of DNA and RNA. Folate is necessary for the production of energy in the body and is also important in producing red blood cells, white blood cells, bone marrow, DNA, and RNA.
With such a dense nutrition profile, it is no wonder that beef jerky has been able to maintain its stronghold in the market for so long.
What is beef jerky?
Beef jerky is a beef cut lean and marinated with different sauces, spices, and additives. It is made using various methods like curing, smoking (under 160 degrees Fahrenheit), and drying. They are then cut into strips and packed. The meat used to make jerky primarily is beef, bison, elk/venison, and turkey.
Beef jerky appears expensive for the respective size purchased given that the jerky shrinks in weight as the product is dried. In terms of nutritional benefits, it packs the same nutrients as the much larger, original piece. At Hi Country Snack Foods, we use 100% Northern Rockies, USA beef in our jerky - not every company can make the same claim. We use high quality spices and employ many local residents in our Lincoln, MT plant. You can easily buy it from any nearby grocery, convenient store, or specialty store. At the Hi-Country Trading Post, it is available in different variants like Tendersliced, Cowboy Cut, Beef Jerky Bites, Super Slab, Beef Pucks or Western Inspired Sausage Sticks.
Nutritional facts about beef jerky -
Beef jerky has 116 Calories, protein (9.4 grams), fat (7.3 grams), carbohydrates (3.1g), fiber (0.5g), zinc (21%), choline (6%), niacin (3%), vitamin B12 (12%), phosphorus (9%), folate (9%), thiamine (4%), selenium (5%), iron (8%), magnesium (3%), potassium (4%), copper (7%), and riboflavin (3%). Manganese, molybdenum, and pantothenic acid are present in very small amounts in beef jerky.
Benefits of beef jerky -
There are different benefits of eating beef jerky. Some of them are given below.
Can be eaten as a gym snack or an in-between snack - Many people eat jerky as an in-between snack - between meals. But it can also be eaten as a gym snack, during your session. It contains a good amount of protein, zinc, and iron while being low on fat. It is perfect for eating before, after, or during the gym.
Less fat - Beef jerky consists of a low amount of fat. Most of the fat present in beef is removed in curing. The beef jerky is almost 97% fat-free.
More protein - Beef jerky constitutes a high amount of protein. As per sources, 100 grams of beef jerky contains about 33.2 grams of protein.
Have better preservative - Beef jerky is made by curing and marinated with spices and sauces. The salt works as a natural preservative.
Increases immunity - The zinc and iron present in beef help to boost the immune system. Iron results in increased production of red blood cells, while zinc helps the body heal internally.
Doesn't increase insulin - Beef jerky does not contain a lot of fat or preservatives. Hence, it does not increase insulin levels in the blood and does not result in weight gain.
Can be stored for long - While manufacturing beef jerky, it is cured and shelf stable. Almost all the moisture is removed from the beef during this process, and without water, bacteria will not grow. Beef jerky can be stored for about two years if packed properly. After opening, it should be used within 1 or 2 weeks.
Why is beef jerky good for health?
Beef jerky has large amounts of protein, which are regarded as the body's building blocks. Protein also increases muscle mass muscle strength and keeps hunger levels low as it reduces craving, which helps in weight loss. Beef jerky also contains a low amount of fats and carbohydrates.
Low carbs help in weight loss and reduce appetite. It also protects the brain and prevents serious illnesses like heart diseases, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Beef jerky can be eaten as an in-between snack and a gym snack. This is because it is a high-energy snack. It is suitable for people who follow a keto or paleo diet.
Also, beef jerky has a good amount of iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and folate. Iron boosts immunity and helps in regulating the temperature of the body. It generates energy and increases the production of red blood cells. Vitamin C helps to control high blood pressure and uric acid levels; it is good for the skin, boosts immunity and helps to retain memory. Vitamin A helps maintain the health of the eyes and is important for the development and health of bones. It promotes growth and reduces skin issues like acne.
Calcium is required for healthy bones, and it is required for the proper working of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Calcium can also help prevent various types of cancers, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Zinc helps increase immunity and is also required to synthesize protein and DNA, which helps in the quick healing of wounds. It is also required for the overall growth and development of the body.
Phosphorus helps keep bones and teeth healthy; it helps in the quick recovery of muscles after exercise. Phosphorus also helps remove waste and toxins from the body; it is important for the production of DNA and RNA. Folate is necessary for the production of energy in the body and is also important in producing red blood cells, white blood cells, bone marrow, DNA, and RNA.
With such a dense nutrition profile, it is no wonder that beef jerky has been able to maintain its stronghold in the market for so long.
