Beef jerky is a good source of protein and is high in vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, iron, vitamin B12, phosphorus and folic acid. It also has a long lifespan and is portable, making it a great option for carrying. While jerky is packed with health benefits, it also has its downsides. Due to the healing process, it is high in sodium, with 443 milligrams in one serving (approximately 18% of the recommended daily total).
Dry meat, turkey, or pork, to name a few, is considered a healthy snack because of their protein content, which can help boost your travels and your recovery. Every time you eat meat, you'll get a good amount of protein, which is crucial for athletes. A 1-ounce serving of jerky, for example, contains approximately 9 g of protein. Sugar is often added to the flavors of jerky and, perhaps, as expected, the sweeter the taste of chipotle with honey, anyone? The more added sugar the jerky has.
However, Rizzo says, meat doesn't have carbohydrates, so even a few grams of sugar under 8 grams are OK, especially during or after a trip, when carbohydrates are needed to replenish muscle glycogen stores. Jerky can be a healthy, tasty and filling protein-rich snack that will help you overcome your training and recovery. However, it can also be an option that contains questionable ingredients or hidden sugars. Look for jerky that's made with healthy ingredients: meat and condiments, ideally, without artificial ingredients.
The best plant-based protein foods to boost recovery. Because it has been preserved, jerky is a practical on-the-go snack and can easily be tucked into a work bag to snack on in case of emergency. Beef jerky is an inexhaustible source of protein, with more than 6 grams of protein per serving to satisfy you without overwhelming you. When mid-trip or post-trip options are limited to refreshments from the gas station, many of us simply buy a bag of jerky to go.
A cup of jerky contains approximately 537 milligrams of potassium, 7 milligrams of zinc and more than 1800 milligrams of sodium. Eating a moderate amount of jerky can help you get sufficient levels of protein and zinc to help prevent colds and other illnesses. In addition to being a good source of lean protein, beef jerky is rich in iron, folic acid, calcium and vitamins A and C. Beef jerky made from grass-fed beef may have a healthier fat profile and still be high in protein and very low in carbohydrates.
If you suspect that you are allergic to meat, avoid jerky and seek personalized advice from a qualified medical professional. The American Cancer Society recommends limiting your intake of red and processed meats, such as jerky. It is recommended that female athletes ensure that they consume enough iron to avoid low or deficient levels, which can come from red meat, including beef jerky. While most jerky found on the market does not contain active live cultures, if you ferment your own dried meat or buy naturally fermented types, it can help improve gut health and improve immunity.
It's not difficult to make your own jerky at home, and it's a good way to control all ingredients and sodium content. Dry meat contains a lot of protein, which can help you avoid muscle mass loss or build muscle if you have excess calories and do resistance training to build muscle consistently. Dehydration is a very old way of preserving food and, as long as it is done right, dried meat can be stored at room temperature for quite some time, although it must still be properly packaged. A cup of dried meat chunks contains 369 calories, 30 grams of protein, 23 grams of fat and approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
If you're up for a project, try making your own jerky to know exactly what ingredients are used. .