Nutrition

Facts about Biltong Nutrition and Health:

Please Note: All the information below is based on health and nutritional facts and not medical facts.
Though they were compiled by health and nutritional experts, always consult with your personal health care adviser and adhere to your medical practitioner’s advise.

Only use quality products from Bobaas Biltong to ensure you utilise the best benefits from biltong.

Any and all food should be consumed in moderation.

* Please read the NOTE at the end of this information.

High Protein
With over 40g of protein in a single 100g serving of biltong, the nutritional information is impressive. It’s probably because of this, that biltong, and it’s Amercian counterpart, jerky have been making waves in the health circuit. See, protein is vital for muscle growth and maintenance and promotes healthy brain and heart function too. However, you don’t want to be consuming a high protein product that’s loaded with carbohydrates or fat. Which brings us to our next point.

Low in Fat:
There’s as little as 2 gr of fat present in a 100 gr of lean biltong. What does that mean? Well, Sainsbury’s Whole Almonds contain around 49 gr of fat per 100 gr. This, of course, is ‘good’ fat and used in a calorie controlled diet, it’s a great addition to your day. However, the comparison puts the percentage of fat present in snacks into perspective and 2 gr suddenly doesn’t seem like a lot. Speaking of calorie control, biltong only has around 200 cal in 100 gr.

High in Vitamins:
Biltong has high levels of B-Vitamins, especially B12. This group carries out quite an important job – being responsible for the production of red blood cells and that – which can be helped along by noshing on some cured meat. In response, Vitamin B12 will help keep your nervous system healthy, while also processing folic acid. In addition, this vital vitamin group also helps release energy from the food that you ingest.
High in Minerals
Now we can’t talk about vitamins and not touch on minerals. There are a few important ones found in our dried beef. First up; Iron. Along with B12, this mineral helps nurture red blood cells – vital for carrying oxygen to important parts of your body. This includes your muscles, making sure they recover from exertion and keeping them in generally good shape.
Zinc is another helper in creating red blood cells, but this mineral also assists in the production of enzymes. These enzymes, in turn, help us process carbohydrates, fats and proteins. You also have Zinc to thank for healing wounds and it has been found to improve athletic performance and increase fertility.

Benefit of Amino Acids:
Perhaps not technically amino acids, but rather byproducts, biltong has Taurine, Carnitine and Creatine present. ‘I have no idea what that means!’ Not to worry, we’ll break it down. Taurine is a key player in cardiovascular function. This would mean it helps with the development, as well as the function, of skeletal muscle and your nervous system.

Carnitine’s job involves helping your body use fat as energy. Similarly, Creatine encourages your body to use more energy.
This is a great benefit if you’re big on health and fitness, as you’ll see definite improvements when you work out.
While we’ve singled out five health benefits of biltong, there are many more.
What’s the catch? There is none!

*As long as you exercise portion control, you’re in for a tasty treat with a range of benefits and no downside.

Fun Facts about Biltong:
1. Biltong is Packed with Protein & Creatine, and low in fat?
Typical Values Per 100 g
Energy 1052KJ
Calories 249 kcal
Protein 52.2 g
Creatine 1.3 g
Carbohydrates 1.4 g
Fat 3.8 g of which saturates 1.4 g
Sodium 1.9 g

2. High in Protein and less than 4% Fat! It is the ideal protein boosting snack for all sports enthusiasts alike, from gym to cyclists, walkers to football players. If you are on the Atkins diet, this is certainly the midday option for a low calorie snack. It’s perfect to put in your children’s lunch boxes for school or just to nibble on family outings. Biltong is extremely “moreish and addictive” and enjoyed socially by family and friends at every occasion whether it’s round the barbeque in summer or watching the footie and rugby with friends over a few pints. It’s a delicious mouth-watering snack that will definitely have you coming back for more.

3. Biltong is now the snack of choice for rugby players –
“Leigh Hinton, Big Red Sports Management”
Very few products are high in both protein and creatine, however due to our slow curing process our Biltong naturally retains these vital elements. Biltong can aid in training, particularly as a strength training supplement.
Increased creatine intake will allow the user to experience more energy for long, high-intensity workouts and facilitate the recovery process. Every time you perform any type of intense exercise (e.g. weight training, running, boxing) your body uses creatine to provide your muscles with energy. *