Protein is a must for bodybuilders in their daily life. Bodybuilders must seek out alternative protein sources like beef jerky because drinking up to four protein shakes a day might get tedious.

So, is jerky made of beef beneficial or bad for gaining muscle?

Bodybuilders benefit from beef jerky because it adds diversity and a source of protein to their diet. It is quick and inexpensive to take, and it can assist meet protein goals to support muscle building. The higher salt level of beef jerky, however, may cause water retention and elevated blood pressure.

Everything pertaining to beef jerky and bodybuilding will be covered in this article, including:

• The benefits and drawbacks of beef jerky in your bodybuilding diet
• How beefjerky aids in muscle growth
• Best beef jerky for bodybuilders
• Additional tips for eating beef jerky while you are a bodybuilder

Different brands of beef jerky have different nutritional values. The nutritional value of one large slice of beef jerky (18 g) is as follows.

Calories: 74 calories

Protein: 6.0 g Carbs: 2.0 g

Fats: 4.6 g

Salt: 320 mg

Good reasons to eat beef jerky for muscle growth

Good Protein Source

Your needs for protein are higher if you’re a bodybuilder. A protein intake of 1.6 to 2.0 grammes per kilogramme of body weight is possible. This suggests that you will require 145–182 grammes of protein per day for a bodybuilder that weights 200 pounds.

While some people may find it simple to accomplish this number, others could find it difficult. Finding different ways to include protein throughout the day will be essential to getting the outcomes you want.

To enhance your daily protein intake, beef jerky is a fantastic choice to include in your snacks.

Small snack, easy to carry

Salt is used to preserve beef jerky, making it resistant to spoilage and expiration. For individuals who want to have some food on hand in their office, car, or gym without having to fear that it may spoil, this makes it the ideal choice.

For a rapid supply of protein, some individuals choose protein smoothies or bars, but beef jerky is a terrific alternative for those who don’t like sweet things or prefer savoury foods.

The cons of eating beef jerky for muscle growth

High In Sodium

Beef jerky is a food that is very high in sodium. One large piece of beef jerky has 320 mg of sodium, more than twice the recommended daily amount. To be considered a low sodium food, it needs to have less than 140 mg of sodium per serving size.

For those trying to replace a protein shake, you would have to consume 4 large slices of beef jerky to have the same protein content. This means having 1,280 mg of sodium, which is half the sodium content for the day. This is a very large sodium intake for only one meal and doesn’t leave a lot of room for sodium in the other meals you’ll need to eat throughout the day. 

A high sodium diet can potentially lead to high blood pressure. This can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and metabolic syndrome. 

Additionally, it can lead to water retention, making you look puffier, which isn’t ideal when trying to maintain a bodybuilding physique.

When is best to eat jerky: before or after a workout?

It is best to eat beef jerky after your workout for the best muscle growth.

After training, it is essential to add a protein source to help repair and grow your muscles. Beef jerky can act as this protein source. However, one large piece doesn’t contain enough protein, and simply adding more beef jerky can increase your sodium intake.

Bodybuilders might likely need 30-40 grams of protein after a workout. This can be achieved by having 6-8 slices of beef jerky. If you have a low sodium intake (avoiding canned foods, cooking with a little salt, and eating other low-sodium items). Adding this amount of beef jerky might not cause any problems. 

Eating beef jerky before your workout is not advisable. Carbs are the preferred energy source in the body. Since beef jerky doesn’t have any carbs, it won’t provide you with the immediate energy you need. Additionally, protein and fats take longer to digest, producing bloating or sluggishness.

Things to consider when buying beef jerky

There are certain things to consider when you are buying beef jerky.

Protein

Make sure it has at least 6 g of protein per serving size. This will be the same as one egg, which is a good quantity of protein to have as a minimum.

Sodium

Although the recommendation for low sodium is less than 140 mg, it will be very hard to find a beef jerky with this amount (since it is the primary way to preserve it). Thus, when looking for beef jerky, make sure that it doesn’t have more than 300 mg of sodium per day.

Fat

Keep the fat content below the amount of protein it contains. This means that if the beef jerky has 7 grams of protein, it should have less than 7 grams of fat.