With more people taking their health and fitness seriously, so is the need for convenient and nutritious snacks like Biltong.
What is Biltong?
Whether you’re an athlete or snack aficionado, it’s likely you’ve already heard all about Biltong. But if you’re new to this South African delicacy, this post will tell you all about why it’s so great.
Biltong is a nutritious South African snack that is naturally high in protein. Made from premium grass-fed beef, Biltong was invented over 400 years ago as a way to preserve meat for future meals. Using only natural herbs, spices, and air drying, Biltong is one of the easiest and most natural ways of hitting your daily protein intake.
Although it was traditionally made from meats such as Kudu and Game, today you will most commonly find it in beef form. Find out more about what is biltong here.
Biltong and Protein
Protein is vital for muscle growth and not getting enough protein in the diet can lead to extreme fatigue and negatively affect your health and body composition. Protein is composed of around 20 amino acids, but only 9 are considered essential. As these 9 essential amino acids aren’t produced naturally by our bodies, we need to get them through food. This is where Biltong comes in.
Protein intake varies by individual and activity level, but a rule of thumb is that you should aim to consume 0.3g of protein per pound of bodyweight.
Why is Biltong good for gym-goers?
Biltong is cured in a blend of natural herbs, spices, and vinegar before it is hanged up to air dry. During the drying process, the beef loses around 55% of its weight. Crucially, none of the protein content is lost in the drying – it’s actually doubled! And, it’s jam-packed full of all the essential vitamins and minerals the body needs to function and repair muscle tears that occur through exercise.
What are the nutritional benefits of Biltong?
As well as being packed full of natural proteins, dried beef such as Biltong is also a fantastic source of amino acids taurine and carnitine which help with cardiovascular function, development of cells, and the processing of fats. It’s also a rich source of Vitamin B12, which is vital for the production of healthy blood and nerve cells and cell production.
Furthermore, Biltong is a great source of iron and zinc. Zinc is an element that is vital for our health as it helps to boost the immune system and stave off certain seasonal ailments such as the common cold. We only need to consume a small amount each day, and you can get this by consuming biltong.
Iron is also vital for a healthy body. A deficiency can cause extreme fatigue, dizziness, and increased heart rate. Many nutritionists recommend consuming foods such as biltong if patients are suffering from an iron deficiency as it can help to stave off many of the side effects.
Can Biltong replace my post-gym protein shake?
Many gym-goers think if they want to build muscle then they need to take protein powders, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Whilst protein powders offer a convenient way to get additional protein into the diet, you can just as easily hit your protein intake by eating a diet rich in natural proteins.
By replacing your protein shake with Biltong a couple of times a week, you can easily hit your protein targets without the need for any additional supplements.
Like protein powder, Biltong is available in a variety of flavours ranging from original to garlic and peri-peri, so you don’t have to stick to the same flavours if you don’t want to.
The downside of protein powders is that they are all incredibly processed and are often packed with artificial flavours and sweeteners that with long-term use aren’t good for you. As they’re processed, many of the nutrients are left behind so what you get isn’t what you expect.
Biltong is better than protein powder for many reasons; it’s natural, it’s made using only herbs, spices, and vinegar and it’s low in fat and sugars. It provides you with everything you need to repair your muscles after a workout and is available in convenient on-the-go pouches too making it incredibly convenient.
Is Biltong tastier than Protein powder?
This one is completely down to your individual tastes. If you love nothing more than the taste of a chocolate protein shake after a workout, Biltong might not be the snack for you. But if you enjoy a savoury snack, then Biltong makes for the perfect addition to your post-workout routine.
Is Biltong healthy?
Biltong sounds great, right? But is it healthy? As with everything in life, Biltong should be consumed in moderation as too much of it can cause weight gain, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. But when consumed alongside a balanced and nutritious diet it’s the perfect high-protein addition to your gym routine.
The final verdict
Protein plays an important part in muscle growth; cell function and weight loss and Biltong contains an impressive amount. It is the perfect post-workout snack regardless of whether you’re training hard for an event or are just starting out. It helps to keep your appetite suppressed much longer than any protein bar or shake.
What are you waiting for? Try Biltong today.