is beef jerky unhealthy?

Question

I dont see why so many say its unhealthy, is it the fact that its got a lot of sodium?



And dried fruit???? When you dry fruit, are all the antioxidents dried out as well and no good?

thanks

Answer 1

Beef jerky is cured using salt (sodium chloride), which causes hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure, especially if eaten regularly. Oil is also sometimes used in the production of beef jerky, which is high in energy (calories).

In addition, beef jerky is, essentially, concentrated meat, and therefore contains concentrated energy in its own right, even if dried using a fat-free drying process.

Finally, if you're eating beef jerky but neglecting to maintain a balanced diet (also eating fresh fruits and vegetables etc.), you can get other dietary problems due to a lack of essential nutrients - for example, scurvy, caused by a lack of vitamin C.

However, eating beef jerky once in a while shouldn't be a problem for most normal, healthy people. It's eating it to excess, to the exclusion of other foods, or overly regularly that might cause long-term health problems.

Dried fruit is never going to be as good as eating the fresh stuff. Most of the vitamins, including vitamin C, are depleted in the dried product; and vitamin C is one of the major anti-oxidants in fresh fruit.

Answer 2

Generally, everything is alright once in a while as long as it is in moderation. Beef Jerky is very high in sodium but that doesn't make it necessarily unhealthy unless you have high blood pressure. If it is a concern of yours then make sure you only consume enough for your average intake based off of you percent daily values on a 2,000 calorie diet. On average that is about 2,400mg of sodium. The second reason people may argue it to be unhealthy is the preservatives used. Know that all the Beef used is FDA approved and was selected as safe before distribution so it will have no effect on your body. I enjoy Beef Jerky all the time and it an easy way to get a lot of protein in your diet. As for the dried fruit, yes there is not as high of a vitamin content but any fruit is made by nature is beneficial to your body. A bag of dried raisins and cranberries contains 14% of your daily value of Vitamin C, 4 grams of Protein, 21% of your daily value of Dietary Fiber, and 7% daily value of Iron. Snack on, enjoy what you like to eat, and remember like the life saying goes, everything in moderation. Best of Luck!

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is beef jerky unhealthy?
I dont see why so many say its unhealthy, is it the fact that its got a lot of sodium?

Answer 4

It's the fact that it has so many preservatives. Sodium is a big factor as well. But it'd be just like eating a twinkie. I know, I love jerky.

I think dried fruit is okay, but I guess it depends on how you're drying it, adding anything or doing anything to it during the process. Fresh fruit is always better anyway.

Answer 5

Commercial jerky is crap. Make your own. Invest in a dehydrator and have a great time with it. Lots of recipes for jerky on the Net. Saves money too, worth the price of the dehydrator.

Answer 6

All things in moderation. A little jerky on occasion is not a bad thing but given the high sodium content a regular diet of it is not a good thing.

Answer 7

I don't know about the dried fruit but I've read that beef jerky has sum health benifits cuz of da high amount of protein in it.

Answer 8

Beef jerky is one of the best hi protein snacks available, and is very healthy for you.

Answer 9

theres nothing wrong with alittle beef everyonce in awhile

Answer 10

No, it's actually really good 😃