How much beef jerky can you eat a day?

The American Cancer Society recommends limiting your intake of red and processed meats, such as jerky. This is because the World Health Organization has concluded that eating 50 grams of processed meat every day (approximately 2 to 3 large pieces of dried meat) increases the risk of colon cancer by 18%.

Beef jerky

(preferably homemade), when consumed in moderation, can be considered a healthy snack option because of its high biological protein value and essential micronutrient profile. Red and processed meats, such as beef jerky, should be avoided, according to the American Cancer Society.

This means that you could have an increase in blood pressure from eating too much jerky because of all the sodium you'll consume. And if you choose to eat red meat, the group recommends limiting your consumption to no more than three servings a week or approximately 12 to 18 ounces (cooked). In addition, a recent study found that dangerous compounds called mycotoxins, which are formed by fungi that grow on meat, may be present in dried and cured meats, such as jerky. According to the USDA's FoodData Central, you'll get 1,785 milligrams of sodium from an ounce of jerky.

Beef jerky has a relatively high sodium content, which causes water retention, bloating, weight gain and high blood pressure, adversely affecting heart health. Beef jerky is high in inflammatory compounds, such as advanced glycation end products (AGE), which are formed when cooking meat at high temperatures. Meat products are one of the most difficult foods for the human body to digest because the protein in meat (especially red meat) is harder to break down and causes bloating. However, it also contains some unhealthy nutrients, and too much dried meat in the diet can be harmful to health in a variety of ways.

While jerky is nutritious, don't overeat it because it's high in sodium and can carry the same health risks as processed meats. If you must eat meat, be sure to accompany it with one of the nutritious side dishes or salads recommended above. If you're constantly hungry, consider eating Greek yogurt with red fruits or hummus with whole wheat crackers instead of eating a sandwich for lunch. These key minerals, as well as the fact that it is a practical and non-perishable source of protein, are some of the benefits of jerky.