Beef is a popular meat due to its high protein and iron content, low fat content, and delicious taste. It is rich in nutrients and has good therapeutic effects. There are many ways to cook beef, such as stewing, stir-frying, or processing it into beef jerky as a snack. While there are many benefits to eating beef, some people may wonder if eating beef at night will cause weight gain.
Will Eating Beef at Night Cause Weight Gain?
Beef has a calorie content of 125 kcal, making it suitable for individuals who require a low-calorie diet. It is also rich in creatine, which can enhance muscle elasticity and firmness without causing weight gain. Consuming moderate amounts of beef in winter can help keep the body warm. However, it is important to note that beef should not be consumed in excess, and it is recommended to eat it once a week. As for beef jerky, caution should be exercised as it has a relatively high calorie content, coarse dietary fiber that is difficult to digest, and high levels of cholesterol and fat. Therefore, it is not advisable to consume it in large quantities at night, especially sweet-flavored beef jerky, which may also contain additional calories from seasonings.
Nutritional Value of Beef
Beef nourishes the spleen and stomach meridians, and is rich in protein and iron while having a low fat content. It has the effects of regulating digestion, invigorating the spleen and stomach, strengthening muscles and bones, and reducing swelling and dampness. Eating beef has numerous health benefits.
Supplementing with Creatine
Beef contains a large amount of creatine, which has a special effect on muscle growth and enhancing physical strength. It is an essential ingredient in the diet of athletes. Creatine is a muscle fuel support that effectively replenishes adenosine triphosphate, enabling athletes to train for longer periods of time.
Vitamin B6
The greater the demand for protein in the body, the more vitamin B6 is needed. Beef contains sufficient amounts of vitamin B6, which helps to strengthen the immune system and promote protein metabolism and synthesis. This is beneficial for the body's recovery after intense training.
Carnitine
The content of carnitine and lactic acid in beef is higher compared to chicken and fish. Carnitine primarily helps support fat metabolism and the production of branched-chain amino acids, which play an important role in muscle growth for athletes.
Potassium
Most athletes have a relatively low potassium intake in their diets. Low levels of potassium can inhibit protein synthesis and the production of growth hormones, thereby affecting muscle growth. Beef is rich in potassium and is a major source of potassium intake for athletes.
Health Benefits of Beef
1. Beef is rich in protein and amino acids, which helps improve the body's ability to fight diseases. It is especially suitable for post-illness recovery and individuals in the growth and development stage, as it helps replenish blood loss and repair tissues. Eating beef in moderate amounts during autumn and winter can also help warm the stomach.
2. Beef has the effects of replenishing the middle, invigorating qi, nourishing the spleen and stomach, resolving phlegm, extinguishing wind, and strengthening muscles and bones. It is suitable for individuals with anemia, prolonged illness, shortness of breath, pale complexion, and dizziness to consume beef.
Harmful Effects of Eating Beef at Night
Beef contains iron, which can disrupt the biological clock. Excessive iron intake can cause the liver to work excessively, strictly control blood sugar levels, and prevent blood sugar from rising. When the liver's biological clock is functioning normally, this is beneficial for health. However, if the timing of iron intake is not synchronized with the liver's biological clock, such as consuming too much beef at night, it can lead to abnormal blood sugar levels and increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and stroke.
