Beef jerky was invented by the long descendant of Incas who hails from the Native Americans. The the beef was part of a preservation method to save meat during the winter period and times when hunting was a scarce source of obtaining food. Currently, beef jerky producers lace it with salt and heat and use spices which enhance the flavor. The nutritional composition of beef jerky offers various dietary benefits.
Part components which make up beef jerky is saturated fat and sodium, hence it is not a recommended source of protein.
An ounce of beef jerky contains 9.4 grams of protein. According to dietary specialists, women are recommended to take 46 grams of protein daily while men require 56 grams a day. Protein is broken down in the intestines into amino acids which are utilized in the body to build enzymes and tissues. The enzymes are used in the functional operation of the body systems.
Your body requires fat to reduce inflammation while supporting the health of your brain. 116 calories are contained in one ounce of beef jerky. The total fat content is inclusive of 3.1 grams of saturated fat. For reduction in risks of cardiovascular disease, it is recommended by experts to consume less than 7 percent of daily calories.
At one serving of beef jerky, the cholesterol content contained is equal to 15 milligrams of cholesterol. According to experts, you should limit your daily intake of cholesterol which accounts for almost 300 milligrams daily. Health wise, cholesterol is bad for your body as it leads to the buildup of plaque in your arteries. When it converts cholesterol in food, it may not directly affect your blood cholesterol levels or heart health. In case you have concerns about your cholesterol and heart health, it is advised to seek help from a doctor.
1 ounce of beef jerky contains 2.3 milligrams of zinc. Zinc in the body helps in supporting bodily functions such as cell division and immune system. Lack of zinc in the body can lead to symptoms such as slow wound healing and loss of taste and smell senses.
When it comes to sodium content in beef jerky, an ounce contains 590 milligrams of sodium. Sodium helps in increasing fluid retention and can cause elevation of blood pressure and stress of the heart. To stay on the safe, healthy side; it is recommended to consume 2,300 milligrams of sodium. One thousand five hundred milligrams of sodium is the recommended consumption rate for people who have diabetes, heart diseases, and high blood pressure.