We live in a fast-paced environment that requires our full focus and attention. Being always on the go, we need continuous boosts of energy throughout the day - that’s where healthy snacks come in! Long gone are the days when we used to refuel our bodies with chips, cookies, and chocolate bars. Now there are much healthier options available, such as beef jerky, which is packed with protein, zinc, and iron. When you need to grab something fast, this snack packs a nutritional punch and can keep you satiated for hours. But is it actually good for you? Let’s dive deeper into the health benefits of beef jerky.
What is Beef Jerky?
Beef jerky is lean beef cut into thin strips that get marinated in a variety of spices and sauces to create different tastes. Next, the meat gets dried, smoked, or cured to remove excess liquid. It’s a snack with a long shelf life that tastes great and contains various vitamins and minerals our bodies need on a daily basis. At BEEFA, we make sure that each piece of beef jerky we produce is made with high-quality, organic ingredients. Not only does it taste good, but it’s also nutritious and made with utmost care.
5 Health Benefits of Beef Jerky You Need to Know About
While beef jerky certainly sounds like a delicious snack, is it really suitable for daily consumption? Let’s look at some of its health benefits you need to be aware of.
1. It’s a Great Source of Protein
Protein is a micronutrient that helps form all the building blocks in your body. We get protein from plant-based and animal-based meals. The body breaks down this component into amino acids that are later used to form all kinds of cells and tissues. Protein is essential to keep our bones, muscles, skin, and all the organs healthy. Because our bodies don’t store protein, we need to eat it every day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. One ounce of beef jerky contains roughly 10% of the protein we need to consume during the day.
2. It Will Boost Your Immune System
Zinc is a mineral we need for all our systems to function properly. It plays a vital role in the ability of our bodies to fight off pathogens, making our immune system stronger and more effective in protecting the whole organism against all kinds of harmful influences. Zinc also helps our wounds heal faster, reducing inflammation and promoting skin restoration. One ounce of beef jerky contains 25% of our daily zinc intake. Because our bodies don’t store this mineral, we need to consume it every day.
3. It Increases Hemoglobin Levels
Our bodies use iron to produce hemoglobin, the building block of our red blood cells. More hemoglobin means more oxygen delivered to all our organs, which directly impacts our bodily functions. Nowadays, many people experience iron deficiency, feeling fatigue and lightheadedness on a regular basis. One ounce of beef jerky contains 8% of the iron we need to consume daily to keep our energy levels high.
4. It’s Perfect for Dieting
Beef jerky doesn’t contain a lot of carbohydrates, which makes it a great choice for low-carb and keto diets. It’s also a low-fat snack that can become a great addition to your nutrient-rich meal plan. While red meat is usually associated with fat, most of it is removed from beef jerky during its preparation process. Nevertheless, you should always consider the amount of calories you intake in general to make the best use of this delicious snack.
5. It Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle
Eating a balanced diet may not be easy when you’re constantly on the go and have many things you need to accomplish daily. We move around a lot and sometimes end up grabbing unhealthy snacks just to get an energy boost. Beer jerky can become a great substitute for those bites we tend to have in between bigger meals. It will give you a sufficient amount of energy, while packing enough nutrients to curb your hunger.
Wrap-Up
So, is beef jerky healthy for you? The short answer is ‘yes’, especially if you stick to a balanced meal plan. Beef jerky contains various minerals and vitamins needed to maintain our body’s functions. The animal protein found in beef jerky is a source of amino acids that help form different kinds of tissues, keeping all our organs and systems healthy. Iron and zinc are the minerals necessary for the proper functioning of our immune system and blood circulation. At BEEFA, we also made sure that our product is made with premium & organic ingredients that are not only delicious, but also good for your body. Beef jerky is definitely one of those snacks that can become a great addition to your diet.