Beef jerky is a popular snack food that originated in the United States. It is made from lean beef, which is cut into strips, seasoned and then dried to create a flavorful, protein-packed snack. While it’s long been considered a healthful snack option, given its high protein content and low fat and calorie content, there are some potential drawbacks that make beef jerky less than ideal for health-conscious eaters.
Pros
- Beef jerky is an excellent source of protein. A single one ounce serving contains 10 grams of protein.
That’s nearly double the amount found in an egg.
- Beef jerky is low in fat and calories. One ounce of beef jerky contains only 80 calories and 2 grams of fat.
- It has no carbs or sugar. This makes it an ideal snack for people following low-carb diets such as the ketogenic diet.
Cons
- It’s high in sodium. A single one ounce serving of beef jerky contains approximately 600 milligrams of sodium – that’s 25% of the recommended daily allowance for adults. For this reason, it may not be suitable for people with high blood pressure or those who are salt sensitive.
- It’s processed. While many people prefer the taste of processed foods like beef jerky, they can be high in artificial ingredients such as preservatives and flavorings. These additives can be unhealthy if consumed in large amounts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while beef jerky can be a healthy snack option due to its high protein content and low fat and calorie content, it does have some drawbacks that should be taken into consideration. It’s high in sodium, processed with artificial ingredients and additives, and may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions.
Therefore, it’s important to consume beef jerky in moderation when trying to maintain a healthy diet.