Is Jerky a Superfood?

Ever wish you were a superhero? Flying through the air, leaping over buildings in a single bound, or super strong with bulging muscles. Ok, we're not saying eating jerky is going to change you into Superman, but it does have some superpowers!

What Is a Superfood

Superfoods are foods that are high in nutrients and are beneficial for your well-being and health. Many superfoods are simple single-ingredient foods like vegetables and fruit that have a high concentration of minerals and vitamins. Other types of healthy foods or superfoods include lean proteins, grains, and nuts. 

How does Fish Jerky Stack up to other Superfoods

Fish jerky is in fact a top-tier superfood. And different fish types have different benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular fish jerky types by species and how they are nutritionally beneficial to us. 

Salmon Jerky

Salmon jerky is actually a superfood all-star. This is because it has High levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are great for the skin, can reduce the risk of heart disease, and even improve your eye health.

Ahi Tuna Jerky

Ahi or Tuna is jam-packed with protein. In fact, one 2 oz bag of Ahi Jerky has half of the daily protein recommendation for adults. 

Another major nutritional aspect of ahi jerky is its chock full of selenium. Selenium is a mineral that aids in the activation of certain enzymes in the body. Selenium might sound familiar to you, as it can be found as a bottled vitamin found at many health or drug stores, whereas it occurs naturally in Ahi. Selenium also has many other superpowers and aids the body in performing important functions and even aids in new cell growth. In addition, there are studies that say Selenium offsets the harmful effects of mercury!

More Fish Jerky Benefits 

In addition to the reasons mentioned above proving fish jerky is a superfood, there are many other key ingredients found in fish jerky which are beneficial to us. Along with having 1.5 times the protein of other foods while lacking high saturated fats, it's also rich in zinc, potassium, B vitamins, iron, and calcium. It is also a tasty and healthy alternative to red meat for many people. 

Environmental Benefits 

Another great thing about fish jerky is the small impact it leaves on the environment. Harvesting from sustainable wild fisheries or fishery farms is much more environmentally friendly than the large footprint caused by livestock such as cattle on land. It also produces very little waste, and has an incredibly long shelf life. 

Conclusion 

As you can see, fish jerky is a superfood among superfoods, and is incredibly beneficial to us in more ways than one. Many supermarkets now carry fish jerky, with many different varieties and species to choose from. So go ahead and put on your superhero cape while you snack on a bag of fish jerky!