Take a quick walk down a supermarket aisle and you’ll notice that high protein foods are everywhere – from fortified breads and milk, to sugary 'health' bars and snacks. But what makes biltong (what is biltong?) the perfect protein? Here are four nuggets to chew on:
· Biltong is one of the highest protein foods around: Good quality biltong is made from premium, grass-fed beef that has been cured and dried causing it to lose around 55% of its weight in the process. Crucially, none of the protein content is lost in the drying. So, while a lean steak typically contains 25g of protein for each 100g, biltong gives you a double-concentrated protein boost, when you need it. The average adult eats 8.4g of protein for each 10kg they weigh, but those who regularly pursue strength or endurance training can require more than twice this amount. Protein aids both muscle recovery and the muscle building process, so it’s a fantastic post-workout snack, without the chalky taste of those whey powder shakes. You can try to figure out which protein powder is the best in the market, but you're better off looking at biltong.
· Biltong is also low in carbs and fat: M-EAT! biltong contains less than 1% carbs per 100g (3.5oz) and less than 5% fat. And by removing all the sinew and any excess fat you get extra lean, super healthy biltong.
· Biltong has no added sugar: If you look at the nutritional content for a range of ‘high’ protein snacks and bars you will notice that they have far lower protein levels than biltong but are also high in sugar. For example, most beef jerky (biltong vs jerky) contains around 30% sugar! Biltong has zero added sugar – just the naturally occurring sugars found in beef, only around 2%. This makes biltong the perfect low sugar snack or supplement.
· Biltong is Low in salt: Whilst we need salt for fluid balance and muscle function many of us consume much more than required. Excess sodium (salt) raises blood pressure and it is linked to heart disease. Jerky can contain as much as 30% sodium. By contrast, the best biltong has little salt added in the curing process and contains less than 2% sodium. It has a more subtle taste – using apple cider vinegar and spices rich in roasted coriander seeds.
Paleo Perfect
If you’re following a paleo diet or weight loss plans such as the popular ketogenic diets, Whole 30, etc, biltong is a great nutritional way to get you through the day, staying full for longer. Have biltong after a workout, as a salad topper or as a part of your paleo breakfast routine. Take a look at what M-EAT! Premium Biltong has to offer - the benefits are beefy!
