Think that pork is a fatty meat that offers little nutritional value? Think again. Pork isn’t as unhealthy as you imagine it to be. When consumed the right way, pork can be a nutrient-rich food that’s great for the human body.
And if you’re thinking that pork is only best enjoyed barbecued, then you also ought to think again. There are so many ways you can enjoy it. We’re in the future, people. Today’s pork is leaner and healthier than what you thought it to be, and we are going to dig into five porky facts that perhaps will leave your mind blown.
It’s Lean and Mean
Compared to two decades ago, the pork of today is 16 per cent leaner and 27 per cent lower in saturated fat. And that’s not by accident. Farmers and scientists developed new feed rations to ensure what pigs were eating would develop more muscle than fat. Seven cuts of pork meet U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines for lean meat by containing less than 10 grams of fat and fewer than 4.5 grams of saturated fat.
If you’d like to know, a lean cut of pork tenderloin has the same amount of fat as a skinless chicken breast.
It’s Loaded with Good Stuff
A 3-ounce serving of pork, about the size of a deck of cards, is an excellent source of thiamin, selenium, protein, niacin, vitamins B6 and B12, and phosphorous, and also contains helpful amounts of riboflavin, zinc, and potassium – all vitamins and minerals that help keep the body functioning normally and in top shape.
In particular, Vitamin B6 is crucial in creating red blood cells in the human body, regulating the crucial nervous system, and maintaining proper cognitive ability among many others. This is highly crucial in inhibiting the chances of succumbing to anxiety and many brain dysfunctions.
Vitamin B12, on the other hand, helps to improve brain function and blood formation. It is commonly found in foods of animal origin.
And don’t be confused. Although pork products like bacon and ham are often considered higher in sodium, that’s because of the salt added in the curing process. This sodium content doesn’t apply to the natural lean and healthier cuts of pigs.
Improved Exercise Performance
Everybody yearns for a physically fit body. There are many benefits that come with having a fit and healthy body. For starters, your chances of getting sick will be reduced. Additionally, you will improve your physique.
The secret to physical fitness and good health is to exercise regularly. However, you will have to supplement your exercise sessions with a healthy diet. And pork is one such dietary supplement.
Pork contains an array of nutrients that can work miracles on your muscles, including taurine, beta-alanine, and creatine.
Beta-alanine is a fine form of amino acid found in pork. Once in your body, it will help in the production of carnosine, which is a crucial element in muscle development.
As a result, if you are looking to enhance your physical potential, pork is what you probably may be looking to add to your diet. You will be amazed at what pork meat can do to boost your physical health.
No Scientifically Proven Risk of Chronic Diseases and Death
According to several observational studies carried out over the years, consuming excessive amounts of red meat is associated with a greater risk of heart disease, type diabetes, cancer, and death.
That said, other studies have found that there is no direct cause-and-effect link between the consumption of pork, and the many chronic diseases or associated deaths. If you eat the right amount of lean pork, it shouldn’t lead to any serious health problems.
Glistening with Glycine
Pork contains a significant amount of glycine, a rare nutrient not usually found in animal meat. It is a type of amino acid, best known to be a key part of collagen, which keeps our skin healthy and bouncy.
In pork, glycine is mainly found in the skin. Pork skin basically contains 11,919 milligrams of glycine for every 100 grams of meat.
Apart from pork skin, glycine can also be found in pork rinds and pork belly. Even though glycine isn’t quite essential to the human body by itself, it is a key that brings many health benefits to our body.
Enjoy Delicious Pork Prepared In A Variety of Ways
What’s great about pork is that it’s meat that can be cooked in just about any method. And yes, quality fresh pork today can also be served in a variety of doneness, just like beef.
It’s the perfect barbecue item, grilled on a pan and charred on the sides, slowly bringing out its distinctive taste.
For Asians, there are several ways to slow-cook it to extract its goodness. Herbal bak kut teh, for one, has tender chunks of meat complemented by a flavoursome blend of herbs. Alternatively, stir-frying pork ribs with sauces also makes for a popular choice, like in dry bak kut teh.
Due to the fibrous nature of pork, the meat is a wonderful choice for braised dishes. Pork trotters, chunky meat covered with a layer of gelatinous skin, can be slowly broiled to allow the braising sauce to seep through the meat. Braised pork trotters and vinegar pork trotters are dishes that offer a good load of umami and are great accompaniments to rice.
For a lighter option, lean slices of pork or minced pork are awesome toppings over porridge or congee. Good pork should lend some natural sweetness to the dish with its juices. Klang fried porridge with sliced pork is a delicious alternative to plain pork congee.
Want to enjoy mouth-watering pork-centric dishes, and get all the healthy benefits pork brings? Just head down to Feng Xiang. From herbal bak kut teh and dry bak kut teh, to umami-filled fried porridge and braised pork trotters, we bring popular and delicious street food from Klang, Malaysia to diners in Singapore!
Visit Feng Xiang at these locations:
- Fernvale Hawker Centre & CC (nearest MRT station: Sengkang)
- Food Republic @ BreadTalk iHQ (nearest MRT station: Tai Seng)
- Food Republic @ VivoCity (nearest MRT station: HarbourFront)
- Food Republic @ Parkway Parade (nearest MRT station: Dakota)
- Kopitiam @ AMK Hub (nearest MRT station: Ang Mo Kio)
- Kopitiam Food Hall @ JEM (nearest MRT station: Jurong East)
- Kopitiam @ Northpoint City (nearest MRT station: Yishun)
- Lau Pa Sat (nearest MRT station: Downtown)
- Senja Hawker Centre (nearest MRT station: Bukit Panjang)
You may also enjoy the dishes in the comfort of your own home via a partnering food delivery service.