It is high in sodium, with a 1-ounce (28 grams) serving providing approximately 22% of the daily amount of sodium, which is set at 2,300 mg per day (. Excessive sodium intake can harm several aspects of your health, including heart health, blood pressure and the risk of stroke (2,. veal jerky is generally high in sodium. A 1-ounce serving can contain nearly 20% of the recommended daily sodium limit for adults.
According to the American Heart Association, nine out of 10 Americans consume too much sodium, which can increase water retention and cause bloating, swelling and weight gain. The organization also states that, over time, excess sodium can increase the risk of various health conditions, including heart enlargement, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and kidney stones. Many are concerned that jerky contains additives such as sodium nitrate or monosodium glutamate. People are concerned about sodium nitrate because it can form nitrosamines in the body, which have been found to cause cancer in certain animals.
The amount of sodium nitrate in cured meats, such as jerky, is not considered dangerous. The National Toxicology Program conducted a multi-year study in 2000, concluding that nitrate was safe at the levels used. Since then, the levels of nitrate used in meats have only declined. A study conducted by the University of Minnesota stated that “nitrite, as used in meat and meat products, is considered safe because the known benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Most jerky brands don't even use sodium nitrite, so if you're worried, you have a lot of options.