Beef Jerky Is The Ultimate Functional Food: Here's Why.

What are functional foods? Well, these foods are items that provide specific health benefits beyond basic nutritional value. They are often called "superfoods" because of their powerful effects on the body.

There are many different types of functional foods, but some of the most popular include beef jerky, salmon, blueberries, and kale. In this article, we will discuss what functional foods are and also explain why Beef Jerky is the ultimate  food!

What are Functional Foods?

The term functional food was coined in Japan in the 1980s when government agencies started approving foods with proven benefits in an effort to better the health of the general population. In the U.S, the Food and Drug Administration regulates them as well as label health claims that appear on foods and beverages.

The term "functional foods" may also refer to food or beverages that have been fortified with nutrients and other ingredients (such as herbs) that may provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

They are not considered dietary supplements or medicines but rather an easy way for people to get extra nutrients in their diet without taking pills or powders!

They are also  generally divided into two categories: conventional and modified. Conventional foods are natural, whole -food components that are rich in major nutrients like vitamins, minerals, heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. Meanwhile, modified or fortified foods have been strengthen with  additional ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.

Example Of Functional Foods

Functional foods can be found in many different forms. Below are some great examples of functional foods you can add to your PALEO diet:

• Fruits: berries, Kiwi, pears, peaches, apples, oranges, bananas
• Vegetables: Cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, cabbage, spinach.
• Nuts: Almonds, cashews, pistachios, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts
• Seeds: Chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds
• Seafood: Salmon, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, cod
• Beef: Beef Jerky, Beef.

Why PREVAIL Beef Jerky Is The Ultimate Functional Food?

Well, for starters, it's high in protein [12g per serving] and low in carbs, making it a perfect snack for those on a PALEO diet. We also incorporate matcha tea in our ingredients stack, making it more functional as a side effect of the functional qualities found in that tea!

 And since it's also shelf-stable and doesn't need to be refrigerated, it's great for on-the-go snacking. But beyond that, beef jerky is also packed with nutrients that offer a host of  benefits. 

For example:

• Beef jerky is rich in B vitamins, which are essential for energy production and healthy skin and hair.
• It's also a good source of zinc, an important mineral that supports immune function and wound healing.
• And finally, PREVAIL beef jerky is a good source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

Benefits Of Functional Foods

Functional foods are known to have the following potential health benefits:

1. Promotes Optimal Health

Functional foods are not only beneficial for preventing nutrient deficiencies, but they can also improve your overall health. For example, research shows that consuming salmon regularly may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

And studies have shown that eating fruits and vegetables every day can decrease your risk of developing chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke. In fact, according to the World Cancer Research Fund, up to 50% of all cancers could be prevented by making healthy diet choices and incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet.

2. Prevents Nutrient Deficiencies

Many people don't get the recommended daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals from their diet. Functional foods can help bridge that gap by providing those essential nutrients in an easy-to-consume form.

For example, if you're not a big fan of spinach, you can easily add chia seeds to your breakfast smoothie to increase your daily intake of fiber, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. And if you're always on the go, packing a few pieces of beef jerky as snacks will give you a quick and easy source of protein, iron, and zinc.

3. Promotes Weight Loss

Functional foods may also help you lose weight and keep it off.For instance, certain types of dietary fiber — such as soluble fiber found in whole grains and fruits⁠ — can increase feelings of fullness and make you less likely to overeat later on. 

This can aid in long-term weight control. Research shows that people who eat more functional foods tend to have lower body weights than those who do not eat these foods frequently

Check out our article on why beef jerky is the perfect food for weight loss

4. Helps Manage Chronic Diseases

They can also help you manage chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.

For example, consuming oats regularly may help improve blood sugar control in people with type II diabetes. And eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been shown to be beneficial for those with heart disease.

In fact, the American Heart Association recommends that all adults eat at least two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables each day to reduce their risk of developing heart disease.

Conclusion

So there you have it: beef jerky is not only a delicious snack, but it's also a functional food that offers a host of health benefits. 

Next time you're looking for something to munch on, reach for a piece of PREVAIL beef jerky instead of those unhealthy snacks loaded with sugar and processed chemicals. Your body will thank you for it!