The Benefits of Eating Beef Jerky

Beef jerky, because of its high protein content and chewiness, is often considered an excellent snack for the gym or a road trip. But people are mistaken if they think that’s where the advantages of beef jerky end. The benefits of eating beef jerky also include its zinc and iron content, its little to no fat and that it does not affect insulin levels.

High Protein

Whether you are looking to bulk up or build lean muscle, beef jerky is a great way to get your daily dose of protein. The most widely known health benefit of the famous snack is called “complete” protein, meaning it contains all the amino acids your body cannot produce itself. This benefits your body by growing and repairing muscles.

The high protein content is why beef jerky is so popular in the weightlifting community. Weightlifters also appreciate how the protein gives them a boost of energy, which will be invaluable when they hit the gym.

Protects From Exhaustion and Muscle Wear

A lesser-known benefit of beef jerky is its iron and zinc value. Iron, found in beef jerky, helps the body produce red blood cells, whose main job is to carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Ingesting iron allows someone to efficiently burn fat, breath comfortably, and ultimately protect themselves from exhaustion.

Zinc also heals your body by treating your muscle tears. Every time you works out, you stretch and tear their muscles. Zinc heals those muscles, making them stronger for the next time you go to the gym.

Less Fat

A common criticism of meat in general is it contains a large amount of fat. One of the benefits of eating beef jerky is you have an opportunity to eat meat without too much fatty content. Beef jerky is essentially dried meat, and the process of turning meat into dried jerky removes much of its fat.

However, the fat content in beef jerky changes from brand to brand, which is why it’s important to check a jerky’s health facts before you go to the cash register or buy beef jerky online.

Does Not Affect Insulin Levels

A major reservation people have about meat—especially people concerned about diabetes—is its effects on insulin levels. This is not a problem with beef jerky. Unlike a lot of meat, jerky rarely includes preservatives, which are the primary cause of insulin spikes.

Most beef jerkies use salt as a preservative. While sodium is not necessarily good for you, it’s a better alternative than other, more unnatural preservatives.