Is pork HEALTHY?

In Serbia, you can’t imagine a meal without pork. Whether it’s a celebration like a celebration, or a regular lunch like stuffed peppers, pork is the most common choice. However, we often hear discussions about whether pork is healthy. Scientists have given their opinion, and we convey it to you.

Is pork red or white meat?

You must have already heard that pork belongs to red meat, although it is sometimes pale in color when cooked. The concept of pork as white meat was part of a marketing campaign that began in the 1980s, but it is definitely considered red meat.

Along with pork, red meat includes lamb, veal and beef. But what does that even mean? Meat is categorized as white or red based on the amount of myoglobin found in the animal’s muscles.

Myoglobin is a protein found in meat that produces a red color when exposed to oxygen. Poultry and fish, which are considered white meat, have significantly less myoglobin than red meat.

The question of all questions – is pork healthy?

Like other red meats, pork has certain health benefits, but also some health risks, especially if you eat it often or in large quantities.

For and against pork

Pork is a source of high-quality protein and also contains numerous nutrients, but it is also a source of saturated fat and cholesterol, so the frequency and amount of meat should be limited.

A brief overview of the benefits of pork:

• It is a good source of protein: when it comes to protein, meat is extremely rich. One portion of pork of 100 g has almost 21 g of protein.
• It’s rich in nutrients: in addition to protein, pork is a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron and zinc.

It increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Pork is high in saturated fat and sodium (salt), which are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, or diseases that affect your heart and blood vessels.

Saturated fats are found in many foods of animal origin, including meat and dairy products, and are associated with an increase in LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, which can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Saturated fats should not make up more than 6% of your daily calories. If you eat 2,000 calories a day, that means 120 calories or less should come from saturated fat, which means 13 grams of saturated fat a day.

However, don’t forget about all the sodium in meat. Because most pork is processed, it contains high amounts of sodium, which can raise blood pressure and lead to heart disease and stroke.

It increases the risk of some types of cancer

To be clear, eating a pork chop for dinner now and then, or two slices of bacon for breakfast now and then, will not significantly increase your risk of cancer. But there is a clear and proven link between red meat and cancer, and that includes pork — especially processed pork products.

Carcinogens are substances that can cause cancer in humans, and red meat is considered to be one of them. After extensive research, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified red meat as a group 2A carcinogen, which it describes as “probably carcinogenic to humans”.

In particular, red meat is considered to increase the risk of colon cancer. Pork in particular, compared to other red meat, is thought to increase the risk of colon cancer.

The IARC classifies processed meat as a group 1 carcinogen, meaning it has been found to be carcinogenic to humans. That puts bacon and sausage in the same category as tobacco and alcohol!

Is there a difference between pork and beef

Pork and beef are both red meats and have similar health benefits and risks. What really matters are the cuts of meat you choose and how often you eat them.

You should limit your consumption of red meat to no more than 85 grams per week, which is one to two servings per week. People with heart disease or high cholesterol should eat even less. The type of pork is also important.

Find out what you’re eating: A guide to all parts of PORK

When choosing any type of red meat, you should always choose the leanest version. Try to choose as young a piece of meat as possible at the butcher, which is much easier when it comes to beef.

Also, if you can, try to get organic or local meat. Organic meat provides more nutrients with less exposure to additional growth hormones, antibiotics and pesticides compared to conventional meat.

5 reasons why you should eat organic meat

Avoid ham, pork shoulder, pork belly and ribs and always trim visible fat before eating the meat.

All processed meats, including pork products, are blacklisted due to their high fat and salt content and carcinogenic potential. That list includes bacon, sausage, ham, hot dogs, salami and delicatessen.

What to eat instead of pork

If you like pork, you don’t have to give it up – but as with other types of red meat, it’s best to limit the frequency and amount.

On the other hand, poultry and fish are always a good choice as excellent sources of protein and nutrients without additional risks.

Source: Cleveland Clinic