What Are The Health Benefits Of Beef Jerky?

In large quantities, beef jerky can be unhealthy due to its fat, cholesterol, and sodium content. The Incan descendants who invented beef jerky may have been Native Americans. For instance, when hunting provided insufficient meat in the winter, they used this method to preserve meat for the winter.

A modern method of curing beef jerky includes salt, heat, and spice to enhance the flavor. Beef jerky contains several nutrients that are beneficial to your health. As a source of protein, beef jerky may not be the healthiest choice because it is high in sodium and saturated fat.

Contains A Lot Of Protein

Protein content of beef jerky is 9.4 grams per ounce. Women need 46 grams of protein a day while men need 56 grams, according to Recommended Dietary Allowances. Your body uses amino acids, which are produced in the intestines, to build tissues and enzymes that function throughout the body.

A Fat-Rich Food

The fat in your body aids in the reduction of inflammation and helps your brain function. There are 116 calories per ounce of beef jerky. Beef jerky contains 66 calories, of which 7.3 grams are fat. Saturated fat makes up 3.1 grams of the fat content.

The American Heart Association recommends that you limit saturated fat to less than 7 percent of your daily calories, or 15.5 grams or 140 fat calories, with the remaining calories coming from polyunsaturated fats found in vegetables and seafood, and monounsaturated fats found in nuts, seeds, olives, avocados, and other foods.

Cholesterol Comes From Several Sources

You should limit your daily consumption of cholesterol from food to about 300 milligrams per day, based on the U.S. Dietary Guidelines. However, cholesterol in food is not harmful to your health and may not impact the level of cholesterol in your blood or your heart health, as previously believed. Consult your physician if you are concerned about your heart health and cholesterol.

Zinc, A Powerful Immune Booster

The National Institutes of Health recommends getting 2 to 13 milligrams of zinc each day, depending on age, gender, and specific health needs. In 1 ounce of beef jerky, there are 2.3 milligrams of zinc in it. This mineral has a number of benefits for your body, including supporting your immune system as well as cell division. In addition to slow wound healing, zinc deficiency leads to taste and smell loss.