As they say, don’t believe everything you read on the internet! In recent years you will have seen lots of stories telling us we eat too much meat, that meat is too high in fat or too processed etc. If you want to carry on enjoying your toad in the hole or breakfast bangers guilt-free then read on for some pork-related positives!
Pork is the most consumed meat worldwide, the great thing about it is that you can have it in many different ways. The perfect Sunday roast? The perfect full English breakfast? The bacon sandwich (and let’s be honest, we’ve all been there after a heavy night!)?
Not all fat is bad
If food has a high fat content, then it must be bad for you, right? Wrong! Pork is a perfect example of this fake news; yes, pork may have a high fat content, but it is also one of highest protein meats out there. The protein content of lean, cooked pork is around 26% by fresh weight. And by dry weight, it can be as high as 89%.
Pork has also been connected with better brain function as it contains high amounts of the element thiamine (Vitamin B). If you suffer with anemia, pork is the highest source of iron, 100g of pork is around 15% of the iron you need each day.
Pork fat has certainly gotten a bad rap with its link to heart disease, there is no question that a certain amount of fat in your diet is essential. Pork certainly contains fat, but it does not have as much as red meat, making it a good way to get the fat in your diet that you need without overdoing it. When it comes to fat, moderation not elimination is key!
No need for supplements
You might not know that whilst you tuck into your pork cassoulet you are also consuming a whole host of vitamins as pork is rich in B vitamins. These vitamins are recognised for the benefits they offer to the brain and may help ward off issues like depression and anxiety. B vitamins are one of the key concerns for many vegetarians and vegans, since meat is such an important source, prompting them to take supplements.
Pork also contains all the essential amino acids that are necessary for maintenance and growth, for this reason in particular, pork may beneficial for bodybuilders, recovering athletes and post-surgical patients.
So, now you know the positives of pork, maybe you’ll think twice next time you are deciding what roast to have on a Sunday! Here at HECK! we have a number of delicious pork products such as sausages and burgers.
Head over to our online shop to see our full range. Or, if you can’t make your mind up which to choose, we do our yummy pork bundle.