Why Biltong Is the Ultimate Snack

The Nutritional Powerhouse You Didn't Know You Needed: Why Biltong Is the Ultimate Snack

In the pursuit of optimal health and performance, few of us consider the profound impact that simple, nutrient-dense foods can have on our well-being. While trendy health foods and supplements dominate the market, traditional snacks like biltong made using grass-fed beef offer an under appreciated, scientifically backed solution for those seeking natural, effective ways to fuel their bodies.

The Science Behind Biltong’s Nutritional Benefits

At its core, biltong is air-dried beef—a food that has sustained people for generations. But what makes it more than just a tasty snack? It’s packed with critical nutrients which are only found in red meat that play key roles in human health, particularly for active individuals.

Taurine, creatine, carnosine, anserine and 4-hydroxyproline are nutrients which play crucial roles in supporting anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory processes, as well as neurological, muscular, retinal, immune, and cardiovascular health (Kang et al., 2020), which basically describes every function in the human body. 

From these five nutrients which are found in red meat, particularly in beef, 4-hydroxyproline is the only one found in plant-based foods, and only in minimal amounts.

Thus, highlighting that the unique nutritional benefits of red meat make it a nutritional necessity for those seeking optimal human health.

Why is Grass-Fed Beef Better? 

When you combine the benefits of red meat, particularly beef, with grass-fed farming there are even more, yes more, health benefits.

Grass-fed beef is nutritionally superior to grain-fed beef in several key ways, making it the better choice for optimal health. Studies have shown that grass-fed beef contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and antioxidants such as vitamin E when compared to grain-fed beef (Daley et al., 2010). Omega-3s are essential for brain function, reducing inflammation, and supporting cardiovascular health, while CLA has been linked to improved body composition and a lower risk of chronic diseases.

Additionally, grass-fed beef has a more favourable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, which helps counteract excessive inflammation—a common issue in modern diets overloaded with processed foods and vegetable oils (Simopoulos, 2016). Beyond its nutritional benefits, grass-fed beef is also free from the antibiotics and hormones often used in grain-fed cattle, making it a cleaner and more natural source of protein.

By choosing grass-fed over grain-fed, you’re not only fueling your body with superior nutrients but also supporting more sustainable and ethical farming practices that prioritise animal welfare and environmental health.

Why Thryvl Biltong?

At Thryvl we make biltong from 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef. This ensures that the final product retains all of the amazing nutritional benefits of beef which make it a staple for optimal human health. 

Combined with our recipe of all natural ingredients without any artificial additives, Thryvl biltong provides a natural, convenient, and delicious way to fuel your body with nutrients you simply can’t get from other sources.

At Thryvl, we don’t just believe in surviving; we’re here to help you thrive.

Final Thoughts: Science Meets Simplicity

The evidence is clear: nutrient-dense foods like biltong are essential for those who want to thrive. Backed by science and rooted in tradition, biltong delivers the taurine, creatine, carnosine, and protein your body needs to perform at its best.

So, the next time you’re looking for a snack that fuels your day, consider Thryvl biltong—not just as food, but as an investment in your health and longevity.

References

Daley, C. A., Abbott, A., Doyle, P. S., Nader, G. A., & Larson, S. (2010). A review of fatty acid profiles and antioxidant content in grass-fed and grain-fed beef. Nutrition Journal, 9(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-9-10

Kang, M., Kim, E., & Lee, S. H. (2020). Important roles of dietary taurine, creatine, carnosine, anserine and 4-hydroxyproline in human nutrition and health. Amino Acids, 52(9), 1207-1224. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-020-02823-6

Simopoulos, A. P. (2016). An increase in the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio increases the risk for obesity. Nutrients, 8(3), 128. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8030128