Who does not love a good snack? However, as we get older, our dietary needs change. We are required to eat more nutritious and healthier foods. Does that mean we need to forego snacking altogether?
The good news is that you do not need to stop snacking because jerky exists. Jerky is a fantastic alternative to protein snacks for seniors. Moreover, protein-rich foods have many benefits even when you are in your golden years. Know more in the scroll about why jerky is a good alternative protein-rich snack for seniors.
Why Jerky Makes Good Alternative Protein Snack for Seniors
A protein-rich diet gets more and more important as you grow older. Also, many studies found that high protein intake was beneficial, even for older adults.
The good news is that there are good alternatives for protein-rich snacks, for example, jerky. They are easy to eat and can be stored for a long time.
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Moreover, jerkies have certain mentionable benefits as a fat-free protein source. Which are:
Great Source of Protein
Jerky is a fantastic source of protein, making it the perfect alternative to other foods. Protein is extremely important for our bodies. It contains macronutrients that help our bodies repair, create new cells, and improve skin, muscle, and bone health.
Additionally, since jerky is such an easy snack, it makes it even more suitable for seniors. Seniors can easily eat a delicious jerky snack whenever they want. It is the perfect finger food.
Lots of Recipes Are Available
Let’s be honest; eating the same thing can become monotonous. Not with jerky, though. Of course, you could eat it as is.
However, many cool jerky recipes can add some extra pizazz to your snacking experience. You could add jerky with fried rice, for example. That way, you can get your carbs for the day too.
That is not all. Love bread? Guess what? Jerky goes fantastic with it too. Jerky-stuffed bread is the easiest and quickest way to make a delicious snack if you want to avoid having jerky alone.
There are many different kinds of jerky. You can make a recipe exactly the way you like it. And, of course, you can also enjoy it the classic way of just by yourself.
It can Be Stored for a Long Time
Jerky keeps well in storage too. So, you do not have to worry about your jerky going bad anytime soon. Storing it is no hassle, either. You do not need any storage equipment.
You can easily store jerky for one year. Although we recommend not letting them sit for over six months.
Eating it before six months will give you the best flavour. The best way to store them is in a vacuum-sealed bag. However, a high-quality zip-lock bag or mason jar works just as well.
What Nutrients Are Important For Seniors?
Getting older means a lot of challenges with health and lifestyle. It is because our organs also become less working as our age grows. Moreover, Seniors need a balanced diet and suitable nutrients to stay healthy and happy. Some of the nutrients seniors should include are protein, Vitamin B12, iron, and folic acid.
Protein
The recommended daily protein intake is 0.8g daily. Protein deficiency can lead to several health-related problems, from muscle loss to osteoporosis. You can get protein from many sources, and yes, from jerky as well.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is also important for seniors. People with vitamin B12 deficiency can face several medical problems like multiple sclerosis and dementia. It can even cause depression. Therefore, you need to include enough Vitamin B12 in your diet.
Iron
Iron is another crucial nutrient for proper bodily function. It helps with oxygen transportation throughout the body. Moreover, a lack of iron can reduce muscle function as well.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is important for maintaining proper metabolism. A good source of folic acid is bread. This means you can make a delicious snack by stuffing jerky in bread. You get the protein, iron, and vitamin B12 from the jerky and the folic acid from the bread.
Jerky Nutritional Facts You Should Know
Compared to other snacks, jerky is a much healthier (not to mention more delicious) alternative. And we have science on our side to back it up. Here are nutritional facts about jerky you need to know. Note that these measurements are per 28g of jerky:
- Protein: 9.4g
- Calories: 116
- Iron: 8% (Daily Value)
- Fat: 7.3g
- Zinc: 21% (Daily Value)
- Vitamin B12: 12% (Daily Value)
- Magnesium: 3% (Daily Value)
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 3.1g
Wrapping Up
Jerky is versatile, easy to eat, and a very healthy snack. It is one of the best alternatives to protein-rich snacks for seniors. Another great thing about jerky is that they last long and are easy to store. You do not have to worry about them going bad.
You can eat a bit when you feel like it. If that was not enough, premium jerky is delicious. So, you do not have to sacrifice taste for something healthy, either. And that is something you cannot always say for many snacks out there.