Biltong is a snack dish made from slices of beef that are cured and dried. Although biltong is a somewhat new addition to the world of snacks, this is not a new product, for hundreds of years, African cultures have built biltong to protect the meat. The main ingredients are meat, salt, black pepper, vinegar, and coriander.
Even though biltong can be produced from a variety of meats, it is most commonly produced from beef, mostly because the meat is easily available (and relatively cheap). This snack can also be prepared with sirloin of springbok, kudu, and ostrich meats. The taste of biltong is like that of a seasoned steak, it is a little juicer although it’s dried. This is because some fat is still flowing through it. The vinegar and other spices also add to the taste of the Biltong. While the gustatory delight of biltong is undeniable, akin to the savory indulgence found in Carnivore Snax, given their common meaty nature, it becomes imperative to acquaint oneself with the potential ramifications of a carnivore diet. Understanding the intricate web of carnivore diet side effects is paramount, serving as a compass to navigate the terrain of its advantages and potential drawbacks inherent to the consumption of such fare.
Most people confuse biltong with beef jerky, however, these two are different and are made using different ingredients. Not only that, but the preparation process for these two is completely different.
You should go ahead and buy biltong and enjoy a healthy snack containing all the best vitamins and minerals.
What makes Biltong so healthy for a high protein diet?
Before it is dried, Biltong is cured and seasoned, and since the meat is cured and not cooked it maintains all the essential nutrients our bodies require. If you’re looking for a wholesome snack, something that doesn’t bulk you or bloat your stomach, or you merely would like to have a sweet treat to snag between meals from your home, this snack can meet all your demands. In addition to being beneficial for a high protein diet, Biltong also has other health benefits:
1. Saturated Fat Content
The saturated fat content (typically about 3 percent average) is incredibly low, making it an excellent way to reduce your weight. Therefore, the amount of fat contained in biltong will not exactly have any negative impacts on your health as it is relatively low. It only contains 3% of fat. This also has a lot of proteins without any added sugars making it suitable for people’s diet or those that have fitness goals. Biltong is also healthy for your level of cholesterol because of its low saturated fat content.
2. Vitamin B12
Biltong is abundant in Vitamin B12, this makes it a very healthy protein snack as vitamin B12 is needed for efficient cell-reproduction and ensures that you have healthy blood cells. Since the body does not naturally make vitamin B12, therefore, the only way it can enter the body is through food or supplements. Therefore, it helps in increasing its amount in the body.
3. Low carbohydrate content and High protein
With its high protein content and minimal carbohydrates, Biltong 25g can satisfy 50% of your daily protein needs. As there is no addition of sugar, it’s a good sugar-free snack. It also has a low carbohydrate content, which minimizes your body’s sugar level and enhances your insulin demands.
4. Organic Ingredients
The ingredients used in flavoring and preserving biltong are not harmful. The various spices that are employed to flavor this snack are organic, and the primary spices that are utilized include salt, pepper, vinegar, cilantro, and paprika. This is very good as it does not include any artificial ingredients instead the organic ingredients are used to improve its taste and flavor.
5. Contains Creatine
Biltong contains creatine, which is an amino acid and is very powerful. It helps the body to produce more energy. This substance is also present in our bodies but biltong can help increase its amount in the body.
It’s an inexpensive snack and because it is cured and dried, it lasts a long time. This is also beneficial to individuals who want a simple protein-filled snack, as it will not be in their gymnasium bag.
Biltong is one of the healthiest snacks due to the advantages mentioned above. It’s claimed that during pregnancy, it will increase and preserve its concentration and can even be used for teething by children. It makes perfect sense to include it in your family’s healthy diet. Whether you require gluten-free, low carbs, high protein, or low sugar, this is the right snack.
Is Biltong Good for You or Not?
Biltong is a great snack, it is a favorite among people who have specific diets like athletes as well as hikers and this is because of its high protein and low-fat content.
Biltong can be preserved, this allows it to have its nutrients intact. In addition to the high protein content, it also contains vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Biltong is also free of any allergens. However, it is still possible that there might be some other allergens depending on the environment in which they are. The air drying stage in making biltong helps in locking in all the minerals, vitamins as well as flavors.
To ensure that your snack turns out to be nice and very tasty, you need to make sure to choose the best meat. The right quality meat helps in improving the taste as well as the Biltong’s quality.
One of the most recommended types of meat for making biltong is organic grass-fed beef and this should be properly cut. You will also have to choose the right spices for your biltong such as black pepper, garlic, or coriander. You will also need to be very careful during the drying process. The length of the drying process differs depending on the method of drying being used or your personal preferences.
Conclusion
Biltong is a low-carb snack that is high in protein and important minerals and vitamins. Iron content is especially high. Biltong is indeed the best pick if you’re looking for a tasty, nutritious, easy-to-store and transport, a non-messy snack that really is healthier but tastes great. It can stay for a long time at room temperature, making it ideal for your gym bag as well as bike rides or hikes.
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