Your body requires fat for reducing inflammation and supporting the health of your brain. One ounce of beef jerky contains 116 calories. More than half of beef jerky’s calories, 66, come from 7.3 grams of total fat. The total fat content includes 3.1 grams of saturated fat.

With 2.3 milligrams of zinc in 1 ounce of beef jerky, you get much of the daily intake recommended by the National Institutes of Health (which ranges from 2 to 13 milligrams daily, depending on age, gender and specific health needs). Zinc supports several of your body’s functions, such as your immune system and the process of cell division. Zinc deficiency symptoms include slow wound healing and loss of the taste and smell senses.

Some of the flavorings added to beef jerky contribute to its carbohydrate content of 3.12 grams, which includes 2.55 grams of sugars and 0.5 grams of fiber. Because beef jerky’s carbohydrate count measures below 5 grams, it may be considered a low-carb snack.