Are you wondering if eating pork would be a healthy choice? Yes, the benefits of eating pork are surplus.
Pork falls in the category of red meat in eastern Asia. Of all meats, pork has gained maximum popularity due to its delicious taste, and for the pork health benefits(1), it has to offer. It is rich in vitamins and proteins and can be consumed in multiple forms. With approximately 3.5 gms of pork offering a high-protein punch, it makes for an ideal protein-rich diet.
Pork Nutrition facts
A 3.5 gm or 100 gm’s of this high protein food provides
| Calories in pork | 297 |
| Water | 53 % |
| Pork Proteins | 25.7 gm’s |
| Carbs | 0 gm |
| Fat | 20.8 gm |
- Pork fat- The fat content in pork ranges from 10-16% depending on trimming and other factors.
Health Benefit of Pork
Making pork a part of your diet can benefit you in the following ways. The essential health benefits of pork are:
Pork is Rich in Fat
Balance is the key to everything. While an excessive amount of fat intake can be harmful to your heart, there is no denial to admit that the body requires a certain amount of fat. Eating pork is an excellent way to get the essential fats in the body without overdoing it.
[Read: Health Benefits of Turkey Meat]
Rich in Proteins
The body requires protein for the smooth functioning of the organs. The meat is known for its high protein, and pork provides plenty of protein and less fat compared to red meat.
Rich in Vitamins
The benefits of eating pork include its richness in vitamins. The meat is rich in B complex Vitamins. The B complex benefits(2) offer plenty of benefits for the brain and help to treat anxiety, stress, and depression.
The Richness in Minerals
In addition to vitamins, pork is also rich in minerals. They contain some vital minerals like zinc, phosphorus, and selenium. These minerals help in the formation of new cells in the body and also boost the immune system. They strengthen teeth, bones, and also protect the blood vessels.
Eating Pork Prevents Binge Eating
The protein stays longer in the body than other foods. The high protein content in pork helps you stay full for longer and prevents binge eating and overeating.
[Read: Benefits of Swordfish]
Creatine for Mass Building
Pork has creatine is required for mass building. This is considered a prevalent supplement for bodybuilders as it improves muscle growth.
Pork Contains Taurine
For a healthy heart and dietary function, the intake of Taurine from a diet is very beneficial. Pork consists of Taurine, which is an antioxidant formed by the body.
Myths Associated with Pork
Myth- Pork is high in fat and should be avoided
Reality- 7 cuts of pork consist of lesser fat compared to skinless chicken breast. The healthy pork bites are pork chops, pork loin roasts, and pork tenderloin.
Myth- Pork has worms
Reality- With time, breeding of pigs has changed. They don’t feed on dirt and have food in clean feeders that help them stay away from worms.
[Read: Health Benefits of Tuna Fish]
Precautions to be Undertaken
If you want to utilize the benefits of eating pork, you must keep these three things in mind-
- You must not eat undercooked or raw pork. There can be some parasites present in pork that can be harmful to humans if the meat is not cooked correctly.
- Eating raw meat can also cause trichinellosis that can be dangerous; hence, one must ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly before consuming.
The Bottom Line
Pork has been a preferred choice of meat in the changing times due to its easy availability and the ease in which it can be cooked. Its richness in proteins keeps you full and gives you tremendous energy to get through the day without any exertion. Red meat may not be your favorite meat, but the health benefits of eating pork can’t be overlooked upon.
FAQs
1. What Is the Healthiest Fish to Eat?
- Mackerel. …
- Perch. …
- Rainbow trout. …
- Sardines. …
- Striped bass. You can either have farmed or wild, striped bass is another sustainable fish.
- Fresh or canned, tuna is a favorite to all.
- Wild Alaskan pollock. This is always wild-caught in the northern Pacific Ocean. …
- Arctic char. Arctic char is in the salmon family.
2. Is Pork Healthier Than Chicken?
Cuts of pork are as lean or leaner than chicken. Pork tenderloin, for example, is lean as skinless chicken breast and meets the government guidelines for “extra lean.”
