Jerky is dried or cured meat with added seasonings and spices. While jerky can be a good source of protein, many products contain additives that aren’t great for hormone balance.
Is beef jerky actually healthy?
Jerky is meat that’s had most of the fat removed and then cut or formed into strips. It’s salted to help preserve the meat and typically seasoned with spices, then dried. It can sometimes be fermented, which also helps preserve it.
While commonly made with beef, jerky is also made from other animal proteins, like chicken, turkey, and bison.
Although jerky is high in protein, we don’t usually think of it as a health food. This is because many jerky products are high in salt, sugar, and other additives and fillers.
Many jerkys also contain nitrites. Nitrites help preserve jerky by stopping harmful bacteria. However, research suggests nitrites can cause oxidative stress and may be linked to certain types of cancer.
Beef jerky and hormones
Many ingredients in common jerky products can cause problems if you’re trying to balance your hormones.
Added sugars, often high fructose corn syrup, can contribute to excess weight, blood sugar issues, low energy, and inflammation.
Nitrites and fillers containing soy and wheat can also lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, throwing your hormones out of whack.
Fortunately, several alternative jerkys exist that are sugar-free and made using only whole, natural ingredients.
Robin’s favorite
Country Archer Grass Fed Beef Jerky
Country Archer Grass Fed Beef Jerky contains zero sugar and is made in small batches. It contains only whole food seasonings like mushrooms, apple cider vinegar, chickpea miso, and natural spices.
It’s made with 100% grass-fed beef, which has less saturated fat and is higher in nutrients than traditional grain-fed beef. Country Archer is soy, gluten, and nitrate free.
Country Archer Grass Fed Beef Jerky, 2 oz. bag
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