Beef jerky has become increasingly popular over the years, especially as high-protein low carb diets have grown in popularity. But like any food that’s billed as “healthy,” we had some questions about it – is beef jerky really healthy? What about turkey or pork varieties? How much of this snack is too many servings for one person to enjoy at once without feeling sick afterwards. So please allow me turn your attention towards New York City Dietitians Kelly Hogan & Natalie Rizzo MEd’s RD’s MSN CPT(candidates) CSSD who will answer these “common sense.
After a hot and humid bike ride, you may be thirsty. Here’s how jerky—beef or turkey with some added seasonings like garlic sauce to make it more appetizing for those who aren’t as keen on meat snacks-can help!
It’s almost too good to be true! Beef jerky may not only taste great, but it also has the potential for a long list of health benefits. Is this just another one-sided marketing campaign? Let’s take a look at some facts and see what we can find out together:
The first thing that comes up when researching beef jerky is how beneficial they can really be in your life. It turns out there are many different types with various flavors available…but do any actually live up these claims made on their packaging? We’ll explore more below.
Is Jerky Healthy?
In the past, older versions of beef jerky were packed with nitrates and monosodium glutamate (MSG). These ingredients have been linked to various health issues including heart disease and diabetes. Junk food brands also often contain trans fats which can increase your chances for developing hardening arteries as well! But even “healthy” types may be bad news since they’re not made from quality sources like organic grains that provide fiber or vegetables where most nutrients will come from anyway – just Vitamin A if you buy them fresh instead.
A 1-ounce serving of beef jerky contains:
A wonderful package full of flavor and spice, but beware! It’s not just the meat that will make you crave for more. Keeping your taste buds satisfied as well as keeping yourself healthy can be tricky with such high levels in sugar – 2.5 grams per piece isn’t much when we’re talking about whole pieces weighing around 506 milligrams each (or 22%). And because we often cut these into small bits before eating them or dip them into sauce at some point during our mealtime experience; those dips may contain up to another 100+ mg.
Is Healthy Jerky a Thing?
When eaten with some restraint, hamburger jerky can be a solid and helpful way of getting your low-carb, high-protein fix.
One serving contains 9 grams of protein.
Hamburger jerky is loaded with solid minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium.
Hamburger jerky items do contain higher than positive measures of immersed fats, yet most fresher forms of meat jerky are low-fat, contrasted with other meat items.
“More clean” hamburger jerky contains less sugar than the more seasoned, junkier brands.
Many brands offer hamburger jerky items containing natural, grass-took care of meat.
Note: Even with natural norms set up, it’s almost difficult to fabricate meat created with harmless to the ecosystem principles, which is one reason Public Goods suspended its hamburger jerky deals.
What Type Of Beef Jerky Should I Eat?
In case you are on the lookout for a sound brand of hamburger jerky, here’s a “cheat sheet”:
What To Look For
Natural hamburger: negligible handling, grass-took care of, natural confirmation
Basic fixings: hamburger, sugar, water, salt, and so forth
What To Avoid
Prepared hamburger
Undesirable fixings: nitrates, MSG, counterfeit additives
Unnecessary sugar (6 grams or more) or sodium (in excess of 350 milligrams)
Low-fat substance (3 grams or less)
Are There Alternatives To Beef Jerky?
Still uncertain with regards to hamburger jerky? In case you’re searching for a low-carb, high-protein bite that will keep you chugging for two or three hours, you have choices.
Protein bars (watch for high sugar content)
Trail blend
Hard bubbled eggs (cholesterol is a worry, however everything with some restraint)
When you track down a sound brand of hamburger jerky you love, appreciate it … with some restraint, obviously.
