Biltong has its roots in South Africa and is a type of dried meat snack. It is made using premium cuts of meat that have first been marinated and seasoned and then air-dried over several days. The drive to eat and snack healthier along with its great taste have been central to its growth and popularity in many parts of the world. In this blog we will learn that biltong is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. In fact Raging Bull Snacks biltong contains 57.4 grams of protein per 100 grams and only 2.9 grams per 100 grams of carbohydrates).We will also discover that it contains essential vitamins and minerals. While it is important to consume meat in moderation, incorporating it into a healthy and balanced diet can help promote wellbeing. Please note that this blog does not contain any medical advice. When it comes to matters of your health and diet you should always consult a medical professional.
Biltong is typically made from meat of a high quality. For instance, at Raging Bull Snacks, we use prime cuts of grass-fed silverside beef. The meat is cut into strips and marinated in vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices. Recipes and combinations can vary greatly and it’s not unusual in South Africa for family recipes to be passed down through the generations. Once marinated the meat is hung to dry for several days, preferably in a dry humid environment. This will be naturally achieved in some countries (think Southern Africa for example) otherwise fans and heating can replicate the drying process. It is a versatile snack that allows for many different flavours depending on taste. At Raging Bull Snacks for example, along with our more traditional tasting Original Biltong we also make Chilli Biltong and Teriyaki Biltong. Learn more by visiting “What Is Biltong? 10 Facts About Biltong”
Biltong, as well as being absolutely delicious, is low in carbs and high in protein. As the meat is cured and not cooked it retains all of its nutrients and vitamins. Meat is a natural source of vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium. At Raging Bull Snacks we only use premium cuts of responsibly sourced grass-fed beef. Experts suggest the best snack pre and post workout is a combination of protein and carbohydrates which makes biltong a great option for those looking to build muscle. It is why our snacks are the biltong of choice for Atlantic Rowers, Arctic Explorers and many other endurance athletes. Biltong is also a very popular snack amongst people following low-carb diets such as Keto. It goes without saying that when it comes to matters of your health you should always consult a medical professional. Let’s take a look at proteins, carbohydrates and the other benefits of meat in more detail.
Protein is a nutrient your body needs to grow and repair cells, and to work properly. They are the building blocks of life. Every cell in the human body contains protein. Protein foods are broken down into parts called amino acids during digestion. Some of these amino acids can be made by your body – there are 11 of these known as non-essential amino acids. There are then 9 amino acids that your body can’t make. These are known as essential amino acids. As your body cannot make them they have to be consumed in your diet. Foods that contain these proteins include meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, seeds and nuts and legumes.
As Raging Bull biltong is cured and air-dried rather than cooked it retains these nutrients and vitamins. For example, the biltong we craft at Raging Bull Snacks contains nearly 60g of protein per100g of meat.
Carbohydrates, also known as saccharides or carbs, provide energy for the body. There are three types of carbohydrates – sugar, starch and fibre.
Sugar
Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that is digested and absorbed into your blood easily. It occurs naturally in some foods, including fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products. Types of sugar include fruit sugar (fructose), table sugar (sucrose) and milk sugar (lactose). Added sugars, added in the manufacturing process, can be found in foods like chocolate and biscuits. Excessive consumption of added sugars can contribute to a range of health problems.
Starch
Starch is a complex carbohydrate made of many sugar units bonded together. Our bodies can quickly break down this starch into sugar again. It occurs naturally in vegetables, grains, and cooked dry beans and peas.
Fiber
Fiber also is a complex carbohydrate. Its not strictly a nutrient because we can’t digest it in our stomachs and absorb it into the blood. Fibre is found naturally in wholegrain foods such as oats, wholemeal bread and brown rice.
Consuming enough carbohydrates can enhance physical performance, keep blood sugar levels in check, and provide you the energy you need for everyday tasks. Additionally, some kinds of carbs, including fibre, can facilitate better digestion, lower the risk of certain diseases, and increase feelings of fullness. However, your choice of carbohydrates is important. Whole food sources such as fruit, and vegetables are likely to be better for you than processed carbs like added sugar.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in many aspects of health, including red blood cell production, energy levels, nervous system function, brain function, bone health, heart health, and mood regulation. It is important to consume adequate amounts of vitamin B12 through a balanced diet or supplements to ensure optimal health and wellbeing.
1.Supports Red Blood Cell Production
Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, and a deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.
2. Boosts Energy Levels
Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the body’s metabolism, helping to convert food into energy. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue and weakness, as the body is not able to efficiently convert food into energy.
3. Supports Nervous System Function
Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It helps to maintain the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects nerve cells, and a deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to nerve damage and neurological symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and difficulty with coordination.
4. Promotes Healthy Brain Function
Vitamin B12 is also important for brain function and cognitive health. Studies have shown that a deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive impairments.
5. Supports Bone Health
Vitamin B12 plays a role in bone metabolism, and a deficiency in vitamin B12 has been linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle.
6. Supports Heart Health
Vitamin B12 helps to reduce levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that a deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to elevated levels of homocysteine, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
7. May Improve Mood and Depression
Vitamin B12 has been shown to play a role in the production of serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters that are important for regulating mood. Some studies have suggested that vitamin B12 supplements may be helpful for improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression.
Iron is a mineral that is essential for many vital functions in the body. It is a trace mineral, meaning that the body requires it in small amounts, but it is still crucial for maintaining good health. Iron is found naturally in many foods, including meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, spinach, and fortified breakfast cereals.
Iron plays a key role in the production of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. Iron is also important for the proper functioning of enzymes that are involved in various metabolic processes, including energy production, DNA synthesis, and immune system function.
1. Supports Red Blood Cell Production
Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. Without enough iron, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin, leading to a condition called anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
2. Boosts Immune System Function
Iron is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system. It is essential for the production of white blood cells, which help to fight off infections and diseases.
3. Promotes Cognitive Function
Iron is important for brain function and cognitive development. Studies have shown that a deficiency in iron can lead to cognitive impairments such as poor memory, decreased attention span, and impaired learning ability.
4. Supports Energy Levels
Iron is essential for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary source of energy for the body. Adequate iron intake can help to maintain energy levels and prevent fatigue.
5. Supports Muscle Function
Iron plays a role in muscle function and is necessary for the proper contraction and relaxation of muscles.
6. Regulates Body Temperature
Iron plays a role in regulating body temperature by helping to maintain the oxygen supply to the muscles and tissues.
7. Prevents Iron-Deficiency Anemia
A diet rich in iron can help to prevent iron-deficiency anemia, a common nutritional deficiency that can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.
Zinc is a mineral that is essential for many important functions in the body. It is a trace mineral, meaning that the body requires it in small amounts, but it is still crucial for maintaining good health. Zinc is found naturally in many foods, including meat, seafood, beans, nuts, and whole grains.
Zinc plays a role in various physiological processes in the body, including immune system function, protein synthesis, wound healing, growth and development, reproductive health, skin health, hormone regulation, and antioxidant defence. It is required for the synthesis of enzymes, hormones, and other proteins, and is involved in the regulation of cell growth and division.
1.Supports Immune System Function
Zinc plays a vital role in the immune system by promoting the development and function of immune cells that help fight off infections and diseases.
2. Promotes Wound Healing
Zinc is essential for the proper healing of wounds, as it helps to produce collagen, a protein that is crucial for tissue repair.
3. Supports Cognitive Function
Zinc is important for cognitive function, memory, and learning. Studies have shown that a deficiency in zinc can lead to cognitive impairments and memory deficits.
4. Supports Growth and Development
Zinc is necessary for growth and development in children. It plays a role in the development of bones, muscles, and organs, and a deficiency in zinc can lead to growth retardation and delayed sexual maturation.
5. Supports Reproductive Health
Zinc is necessary for reproductive health in both men and women. It is important for the production of sperm in men and the growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy.
6. Helps Maintain a Healthy Skin
Zinc is important for maintaining healthy skin, as it is essential for the production of collagen, which gives skin its strength and elasticity.
7. Regulates Hormones
Zinc is involved in the regulation of hormones in the body, including insulin, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
8. Supports Antioxidant Defence
Zinc plays a role in antioxidant defence by protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can cause oxidative stress and contribute to the development of various diseases.
Some people consume biltong as part of a high protein diet. We would would always advise our customers to seek professional nutritional advice before eating biltong as part of a high protein diet. Some popular examples of high-protein diets include the Atkins diet, the Paleo diet, and the South Beach diet.
High protein diets work by increasing the intake of protein while reducing the intake of carbohydrates and/or fats. When the body consumes more protein than it needs, the excess protein is broken down into amino acids, which can then be used for a variety of functions, including building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function.
One of the main ways that high protein diets are thought to promote weight loss is by increasing feelings of fullness and satiety. Protein is more filling than carbohydrates or fats, and it takes longer for the body to digest and absorb protein, which can help to reduce appetite and prevent overeating.
High protein diets may also help to boost metabolism and increase fat burning. The body requires more energy to digest and metabolise protein than it does for carbohydrates or fats, a process known as the thermic effect of food. This increased energy expenditure may help to promote weight loss and fat burning.
Additionally, high protein diets may help to preserve lean muscle mass while promoting fat loss. When the body is in a calorie deficit, which is necessary for weight loss, it may also break down muscle tissue for energy. However, consuming a high protein diet can help to prevent muscle loss while promoting fat loss.
It is important to note that high protein diets may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly those with certain medical conditions such as kidney disease. Additionally, it is important to choose healthy sources of protein and to maintain a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods from all food groups. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help to determine if a high protein diet is right for you and how to safely incorporate it into your diet.
A balanced diet is important for maintaining good health, preventing chronic diseases, and improving overall well-being. It is important to consume a variety of foods from all food groups and to limit intake of processed and high-calorie foods in order to achieve and maintain a healthy balance.
References and further reading;
In addition these journals can be consulted:
© Raging Bull Meats Snacks Ltd.
Enter the coupon code 'RADIO' at checkout.
Join our mailing list for news and more great offers.
