Pork: Why You Should Add "The Other White Meat" to Your Menu

Eat Like Me, SELF Magazine

By Cristin Dillon,SELF magazine

There are lots of lean protein choices out there but one that doesn't get as much attention as chicken, beef or legumes is pork. Pork is commonly referred to as "the other white meat" but it's just as healthy as the white meat. So add it to your weekly plan for some variety and excellent nutrients.

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Pork has long been thought of as a fatty meat choice. Twenty years ago it was a less healthy choice than it is today. But through improvements in breeding and feeding, pork now offers us six lean cuts as defined by the USDA. "Lean" means there is less than 10 grams of fat, less than 4.5 grams of saturated fat and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per serving. Eating lean meat is better for your heart because it contains less artery clogging saturated fat and cholesterol. Pork even offers one "extra lean" cut which is as good as you can get with animal protein.

The cuts of pork you want to choose are: tenderloin, chop, loin roast and Canadian bacon. Just like chicken or beef, you want to avoid bones, trim visible fat and limit your consumption of the "dark" meat. If you choose tenderloin you are getting the exact same nutrition facts as boneless. skinless chicken breast (120 kcals, 3 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 62 milligrams cholesterol in 3 ounces cooked -- in fact chicken has 20 extra calories and 10 extra milligrams of cholesterol in that portion).

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Beyond the calories and fat, pork is an excellent source of several B vitamins (thiamin, pyridoxine, niacin and riboflavin) which are all vital to our metabolism. They aid in the function of enzymes and energy release. Pork is also an excellent source of phosphorus (vital for our bones) and a good source of potassium (for our blood pressure) and zinc (for metabolism and immune system). It also contributes a little iron, but beef continues to be the best source for that nutrient!

There are many great ways to cook pork and as you can see it fits into any healthy eating plan so search for a recipe today and pick up some pork on your next trip to the store!

Check out these delicious pork recipes:
Chile Dusted Pork Chops With Strawberries and Grits
Spicy Pork Posole
Grilled Pork Loin With Fire-Roasted Pineapple Salsa

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Photo Credit: Condé Nast Digital Studio