Surely everyone knows that beef jerky is not only delicious but also a popular snack for many people. It also enhances the flavor of main dishes. But is beef jerky really good for you? Let’s explore and share knowledge about how many calories are in beef jerky with BuyBulkWhey.com!
How Many Calories Are in 100g of Beef Jerky?
Beef jerky is a delightful snack for many Vietnamese people. However, how many calories are in 100g of beef jerky? This question often puzzles many. According to research verified by nutrition experts at BuyBulkWhey.com:
- 100g of beef jerky contains approximately 410 calories.
- A plate of papaya salad with beef jerky contains 230 calories (including beef jerky, carrots, papaya, kohlrabi).
- 100g of papaya salad with beef jerky has 409.9 calories.
- A beef jerky sandwich contains 323 calories.
Among all dried meat products, beef jerky has the highest nutritional value. For comparison, 100g of chicken jerky contains only 214 calories, and 100g of pork jerky has about 333 calories. Additionally, nutrition experts have analyzed the nutritional content in 100g of beef jerky, which includes (1):
- 33.2g of protein
- 25.6g of fat
- 11g of carbohydrates
- 1.8g of fiber
- 1780mg of sodium
Besides these nutrients, beef jerky also contains small amounts of other nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin B6.
Does Eating Beef Jerky Make You Gain Weight?
As mentioned, 100g of beef jerky contains 410 calories. Although it is high in protein and low in carbs, the fat content is also quite significant. To answer the question, “Does eating beef jerky make you gain weight?” we must consider not only the calorie and fat content of the jerky but also the total calories consumed in a day.
According to nutrition experts, an individual should consume between 1600 – 2000 calories per day, meaning each of the three main meals should provide 533 – 667 calories. Therefore:
- If you eat 100g of beef jerky in a meal, you’re consuming an adequate amount that balances your body’s nutrients.
- If you eat 200g of beef jerky per meal, you’ll exceed your calorie intake, which can quickly lead to weight gain.
Moreover, 100g of beef jerky contains up to 1780mg of salt, which is quite high and can cause water and fat retention in the body. This makes it easy to gain weight if you do not control the amount of beef jerky you eat. Studies show that people who consume a lot of salt have a 20% higher risk of obesity. Therefore, it’s best to enjoy beef jerky occasionally!
Is Eating Beef Jerky Healthy?
The preparation of beef jerky is simple, involving seasoning beef and drying it at high temperatures. Overall, beef jerky is chewy and flavorful, with no major concerns if consumed in moderation.
Benefits of Eating Beef Jerky
With its high protein content, beef jerky is an excellent food for supplementing protein and promoting muscle growth. Additionally, beef jerky provides abundant energy, enhancing work productivity. Its convenient packaging makes it easy to carry and substitute for a snack.
Drawbacks of Eating Beef Jerky
However, you should not eat beef jerky frequently due to its high fat and salt content, which can negatively impact your health:
- Causes Weight Gain: Without controlling your beef jerky intake, your body absorbs a lot of energy and fat, leading to excess fat and water retention, causing rapid weight gain.
- Increases Blood Pressure: Beef jerky is high in sodium. Excessive sodium intake can raise blood pressure. Therefore, it’s best to limit foods high in sodium like beef jerky.
- Raises Blood Sodium Levels: High sodium content in beef jerky can increase blood sodium levels, adversely affecting overall health.
- Affects Cardiovascular Health: High blood sodium levels also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks. Thus, limit your beef jerky consumption to protect your health!
- Risk of Kidney Disease: Excessive sodium intake from foods like beef jerky can strain the kidneys and harm internal organs.
Tips for Eating Beef Jerky While Losing Weight
Although beef jerky is a delicious and tempting snack, you should keep the following tips in mind to maintain your health:
Who Should Avoid Eating Beef Jerky
From the information that 100g of beef jerky contains 410 calories, it can be a snack or main dish suitable for everyone, including those on low-carb diets or gym-goers. However, five groups should avoid beef jerky:
- Individuals on low-salt diets.
- People with gout.
- Those with high blood fat or blood pressure.
- Individuals with high blood sodium levels.
- People with kidney-related diseases.
Recommended Beef Jerky Intake for Weight Loss
To avoid weight gain, BuyBulkWhey.com recommends consuming a moderate amount of beef jerky daily as follows:
- Eat beef jerky at most 1-2 times per week.
- Each serving should be approximately 100g, equivalent to 410 calories.
To balance nutrition, combine beef jerky with fiber-rich foods and carbohydrates. Also, maintain a regular exercise routine to burn calories and excess fat, helping prevent weight gain.
When eating beef jerky as a snack, avoid daily consumption. Instead, consider alternatives like protein bars or meal replacements. These options are equally convenient and often have higher protein and lower fat content than beef jerky. Lastly, avoid eating beef jerky at night, as the body will absorb and convert it into excess energy.
This article has provided an overview of how many calories are in beef jerky and whether it contributes to weight gain. BuyBulkWhey.com also offers guidance on consuming beef jerky without gaining weight, which you can refer to and apply. We hope this article provides you with valuable insights about beef jerky. Thank you for reading!