We asked a dietician to tell us about the benefits and drawbacks of eating this popular meat.
Pork is controversial; devout Jews and Muslims are forbidden to eat it, while others question the meat industry's competitive ethics. Despite this, it is one of the most often consumed animals on the planet. Even if eating pig isn't against your religious views, you should consider that pork offers benefits and drawbacks in terms of nutrition.
According to registered dietitian Trista Best, RD, MPH, LD, "consuming high-quality, lean pork that has been prepared and cooked appropriately can contribute to a few significant health benefits." Reread the following section: pork that has been adequately cooked.
"Pork may be the most popular meat on the planet, but it has major health and immune implications," explains Best. "There's a link between pork and cancer and heart disease."
Like most red meat (yep, it is classified as red meat), it can cause cellular damage that, if left untreated, can lead to cancer and a weakened immune system. Here are some of the things that happen when you eat pork.
1. It can enhance muscle growth.
"For people looking to gain muscle mass and improve their muscle performance, pork can be a fantastic source of protein," explains Best. "It's a complete protein, which means it contains all amino acids, including the nine necessary ones. However, as part of a muscle-building program, it's critical to emphasize the importance of selecting high-quality lean pork."
Creatine and taurine are also found in pork; creatine is essential for muscle growth and maintenance, while taurine helps muscles function by acting as an antioxidant.
2. You'll increase your intake of micronutrients.
According to an analysis of average diets, micronutrient deficits are a health problem in the United States, partially because most of our diets are calorie-dense. There is a deficiency in vitamin and mineral diet, particularly iron, and eating pork can help to correct some of these deficiencies.
"In diets that are otherwise deficient in these elements, pork can be a source of iron and zinc," explains Best. "When consumed in moderation, minimally processed, lean, and properly cooked pork can be healthful."
It's also a good source of selenium, which is essential for thyroid health.
3. It might increase your risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Pork is heavy in salt, which is something we don't need more of, according to dietary studies conducted in the United States, which indicate sodium to be one of the most over-consumed "nutrients."
Because of their processed nature, the most popular types of pork, such as sausage, bacon, ham, and pig rinds, are generally high in salt. While salt is an essential component of everyone's diet since it helps water balance, it is consumed at an alarmingly high rate in Western diets.
Do you need an example? "A serving of standard pork sausage has roughly 400 milligrams of sodium, or about 20% of the daily recommended intake," explains Best.
Pork fat content should also be taken into consideration.
"As with other meats, pork can be lean or fatty. Consumers should be careful of the quality of their pork when choosing a pig product, whether it's processed or a whole pork chop, and choose leaner options "Best agrees. "Saturated fat is bad for your heart and can cause heart disease, stroke, and obesity."
4. You could contract a parasitic infection (if you're not careful).
Pork must be cooked properly, according to experts. Pork that is served raw or undercooked is dangerous to one's health.
"There is a risk of foodborne illness with any animal protein related to cross-contamination or inappropriate cooking temperatures," explains Best. "Pork is unique in that it can contain both a parasite known as tapeworm and a parasitic roundworm known as trichinella. Pork that is eaten uncooked or undercooked can cause serious and life threatening parasite diseases."