A pork or pig meat requires a different preparation from other types of meat and, contrary to what many people think, it can be a light and healthy meal. Because of this, being a source of protein, fats, and vitamins, it is one of the most consumed meats around the world.

Pork is rich in B vitamins, essential for the body's health, iron (prevents anemia), selenium (prevents premature aging), zinc (prevents neurodegenerative diseases), and potassium (strengthens the bones).

In addition, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, the diet of these animals is much more balanced than before and they have undergone genetic changes that have made them much leaner, losing 31% of fat, 14% of calories and 10% of cholesterol in the last 20 years.

Some of the most popular and leanest cuts of pork are:

• Loin
• Ribs
• Steak

The loin is the cut of pork that is considered the leanest of all. Besides the low fat content, it is tasty and versatile.

Benefits of eating pork

Good for brain health

Pork is an excellent source of B vitamins, among them thiamine (vitamin B1). thiamine is one of the best and most important vitamins for neurological health. Therefore, a diet rich in vitamin B1 sources, such as pork, can help prevent neurodegenerative diseases and greatly benefit brain health.

Protects heart health

It is also rich in vitamin B3, better known as niacin This is one of the B vitamins that is directly linked to cardiovascular health, so eating pork can benefit the vitality of the heart. Not only that, niacin helps with stress relief, metabolic regulation, and can facilitate digestion.

Read more: Vitamin B3 may reduce risk of skin cancer

Healthy Muscles

The amount of protein contained in meat varies according to its cut and size, but in general, pork is a good source of protein and therefore contributes to healthy muscles. It is also great for people who want to gain lean mass, i.e., for people whose goal is hypertrophy.

Read also: Why protein is essential for the immune system

How to prepare pork

Different types of cuts require different preparations, but some tips apply to all cuts. For example, pork is a meat that requires more cooking time, so it tends to take longer to prepare than beef or white meat. Cooking is very important to prevent the transmission of diseases, such as cysticercosis Therefore, it is a type of meat that should not be eaten rare.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that fried food should always be less frequent in our menu, no matter which cut of meat is chosen. The ideal is to bet on grilled, roasted, or boiled meat.