For decades, America’s pig farmers have worked closely with their team of pig health professionals reviewing and researching what pigs eat and how they are raised and bred to develop leaner, higher quality pork foods that people continue to prefer. Because of this dedication to quality and continuous improvement, it comes as no surprise that pork has consistently been the number one protein enjoyed worldwide.
Compare Pork
Today’s pork compares favorably to other protein sources in regard to fat, calories, and cholesterol. In addition to providing protein, pork also provides many other important vitamins and minerals, including some that are under-consumed according to current recommendations.
While providing greater amounts of vitamins and minerals, many cuts of pork are as lean or leaner than chicken.
Protein in Pork
Through dedication to providing protein that people are looking for with a complete nutrient package in mind, today’s pork is 16 percent leaner and 27 percent lower in saturated fat compared to 29 years ago.
Eight cuts of pork meet the USDA guidelines for “lean,” containing less than 10 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat and 95 milligrams of cholesterol per 100 grams of meat.
The popular pork tenderloin is considered “extra lean” and has the same amount of fat as skinless chicken breast.
Vitamins and Minerals
Pork, by definition, is an “excellent” source of nutrients important in supporting our health, including vitamin B-C, thiamin, phosphorus, niacin, riboflavin and selenium and protein and a “good” source of zinc and potassium.
Fat In Pork
Through changes in feeding and breeding techniques, pork producers have responded to consumer demand for leaner pork. Today’s pork has 16 percent less fat and 27 percent less saturated fat as compared to 1991. Many cuts of pork are now as lean as skinless chicken.
Benefits Of Pork In Your Diet
Source of Key Nutrients: Pork is a good source of protein and provides several important vitamins and minerals. A 3-ounce serving of pork is an “excellent” source of thiamin, selenium, protein, niacin, vitamin B-6, riboflavin, and phosphorus, and a good source of zinc and potassium.
Heart-Healthy: Pork is naturally low in sodium and a “good” source of potassium – two nutrients that, together, can help regulate blood pressure.
Both the pork tenderloin and pork sirloin roast meet the criteria for the American Heart Association Heart Checkmark, which means they contain less than 5 grams of fat, 2 grams or less of saturated fat and 480 milligrams or less of sodium per label serving.