Bored in between meetings? Want a quick munch on? You might want to try a new version of dried meat, biltong. Did you know that this South African snack is so popular that over 100 tons are exported annually?
If you want to know more about this dried snack and its benefits, continue reading –
What is it?
It is made from cured and dried slices of meat. Essentially, it’s a method of preserving meat, but they are also yummy snacking items. The essential ingredients of this dish are meat, coriander, black pepper, salt, and vinegar.
Generally, beef and other wild game meats are used to make it. However, you can use chicken, pork, and fish too. It is often confused with beef jerky. But they differ in the methods of drying.
Benefits of Consuming It
This South African snack has a multitude of benefits. You’ll see why.
Healthier Than Consuming Beef Jerky
Bilton is generally roasted or smoked, making it healthier than beef jerky. It is soaked in salt and vinegar, brined with spices, and air-dried for a week or two, giving it more nutrients.
Ideal As a Post Workout Snack
Post-workout, it is recommended that you consume a snack rich in iron, magnesium, and vitamin B-12. It will build your muscles, and Bilton is all that and more. Plus, it replenishes your body after a challenging workout.
Additionally, it gives you a boost of energy and makes you feel good after your workout.
Protein-Packed Snack
This snack has at least 16 grams of protein. Plus, it is low in calories, so it is considered nutritious. Moreover, when you consume 25 grams worth of the snack, you get 50% of your daily protein requirement.
A Snack Full of Flavour
It tastes delicious and is packed with flavor as it contains spices, salt, pepper, and more. You can mix it with cooked food to create tasty dishes. Additionally, it has an acidic flavor and a diverse texture depending on the meat used.
From the Health Point of View
High Sodium Content
The sodium content of this snack is very high. It makes up almost 20% of your daily sodium allowance due to the salt content. It can lead to high blood pressure heart diseases and put you at risk for strokes.
Certain Varieties of The Snack Are Fatty
Certain varieties of this snack are high in saturated fats. While it may not be too much, you need to balance it with a plant-based diet to protect yourself against heart diseases.
The Processed Meat Can Put You At Cancer Risk
Consuming too much processed and cured meats increases the risk of getting gastrointestinal cancer. It occurs because of the contamination by toxic substances like mycotoxins. So, it’s best to consume minimum quantities of this delicious snack.
Endnotes
The South African Origin snack is a dried and cured form of meat made using salt, spices, and vinegar. It’s a commercially viable snack filled with preservatives and has a long shelf life. Moreover, it’s a healthy alternative to beef jerky as it retains its nutrition and is low in fat.
While the snack boasts of nutrition and health, it is high in sodium, posing a cancer risk for you. So, consume it in small quantities. What are you waiting for? Go and order this delicious snack!!
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