Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying snack to sate your hunger? But what do you choose when most unhealthy snacks largely interfere with your dietary goals? Well then, look no further than Biltong meat snacks. This food is packed with nutritional benefits and flavorful bites.
If you're still not convinced, don’t hesitate to read further. In this article, we’ll be explaining why biltong should be a staple snack in your diet.
What is Biltong?
Biltong is a traditional South African meat snack made from thinly sliced and marinated. Generally, beef is used, but this also applies to other kinds of meat like turkey, bacon, and even ostrich meat. Overall, no matter what meat you use, it will come out with a tender texture and complex flavours.
Furthermore, most people aren't aware that this kind of meat snack can take multiple days to prepare. The meat is marinated in a vinegar, salt, and spice mixture for several hours. Then, the curated meat is set aside to dry out naturally. The drying process can take a few days, during which the meat loses moisture and develops its flavour and texture.
Reasons to Incorporate Biltong in Your Diet
Here are several reasons why biltong should be a staple healthy snack in your diet:
Low in Fat
This snack typically contains a much lower fat content than general meat snacks. For example, a 28-gram serving of beef biltong contains only 26% fat. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their body weight without compromising on taste or nutrition.
The low-fat content also makes it a healthier alternative to many other processed meat snacks, commonly high in saturated fats and additives.
Choosing this meat means eating lighter foods that you can enjoy as a satisfying snack and part of your balanced diet.
Packed With Protein
Any fitness freak will tell you that protein is the key to repairing and growing your muscle mass. When you engage in strenuous exercises like weightlifting, the effort creates small tears in your muscle fibers. This is why protein should be a vital part of your diet when living a healthier lifestyle.
Fortunately, biltong is a convenient and delicious snack for people looking to increase their protein intake. Its high protein content makes it perfect for athletes or fitness enthusiasts who want to maintain muscle health.
High in Vitamin B12
Biltong is a natural source of vitamin B12, an important vitamin your body can't create on its own. This vitamin is involved in the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids, which are further used to create energy in the body. So, by consuming a sufficient amount of B12, you can prevent fatigue and weakness.
Additionally, the B12 content in this meat snack can effectively maintain the health of your nervous system. This is because vitamin B12 is involved in the production of myelin, which acts as a protective covering of your nerves. You’ll be able to maintain nerve function and prevent neurological problems.
Low in Carbohydrates
Consuming excessive carbohydrates can cause a massive dent in your dietary goals as they contribute to weight gain. If they’re not consistently burned out through exercise, carbohydrates can be stored in the body as fats.
That is why biltong is an ideal snack for those pursuing a low-carb diet since it contains minimal carbohydrates. It makes for a great alternative to other snacks like crackers or chips that are full of carbs. With this meat snack, you can enjoy a satisfying and delicious snack without compromising your dietary goals.
Various Culinary Uses
While biltong is a great snack on its own, it can also be a fantastic ingredient to add to other dishes. It can be used as a topping on pizza or baked potatoes or mixed in with a salad. You can also blend the meat into dips or spreads like hummus.
Whatever biltong recipe you choose will only elevate the flavour and texture of your dish. Furthermore, incorporating this meat into your cooking will increase the nutritional value of your dishes, making it a winning choice for health-conscious food enthusiasts.
Long Shelf Life
Biltong’s extended shelf life makes it a practical addition to your diet. It goes through a preservation process of curing and air-drying so that it stays fresh even without refrigeration. This makes it an ideal snack for long outdoor adventures and travels.
Additionally, its long shelf life means buying it in bulk without worrying about food going rotten and being wasted. With this meat in hand, you can enjoy a flavorful, protein-packed snack whenever hunger strikes.
Conclusion
Biltong is a flavorful and nutrient-rich snack that can be a beneficial contribution to your dietary plans. With its high protein and low fat and carbs profile, this meat snack offers a better alternative to traditional snacks. Also, its several culinary uses and long shelf life make it a great addition to your daily meals.