Popular meat ranked one of the world’s most nutritious foods, scoring higher than numerous fruits and vegetables including sweet potatoes, oranges and tomatoes
Many Brits love pork – and it’s popular in Mediterranean diets(Image: Oleg Breslavtsev via Getty Images)
We’re all aware that eating fruit and vegetables is widely encouraged due to their nutritional benefits. However, one animal product has been deemed more advantageous than many green foods.
In a ranking of the world’s 100 most nutritious foods, pork fat claimed eighth position for its nutritional merit.
With a nutritional score of 73 out of 100, pork fat – more commonly referred to as lard – placed ahead of 92 other foods, including peas, red cabbage, tomatoes, mackerel, lettuce, oranges and sweet potato.
BBC Future notes that pork fat is an excellent source of B vitamins and minerals, and typically provides more unsaturated, healthier fat than lamb or beef.
Pork fat is rich in monounsaturated fats like oleic acid – which is also found in olive oil – proving advantageous for heart health. It also features some saturated fats, which are entirely acceptable when consumed in moderation.
The Mediterranean diet is frequently championed as “healthier” – and commonly incorporates pork amongst its staple foods.
Pork meat has been rated as ‘more healthy’ than a lot of green food(Image: Oscar Wong via Getty images)
However, it’s important to consider how the pigs were raised to fully benefit from the nutritional advantages.
Pork fat delivers fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin D, especially if the pigs were kept outdoors, reports Surrey Live.
Furthermore, pasture-raised pork fat is generally the healthier choice due to its enhanced nutrient profile. So, there’s no need to feel overly guilty when indulging in pork fat occasionally.
But, as with everything, moderation is key. Interestingly, no other animal fat or meat appeared on the list.
It’s also important to note the difference between pork fat and lard. While they’re related, they’re not identical.
Pork fatPork fat is raw fat from a pig – it’s just the fat before anything is done to it.Not usually used straight in recipes unless you’re making sausage or grinding it into a dish.aLardLard is rendered pig fat – specifically fat that’s been melted down and strained.Smooth, shelf-stable (or fridge-stable), and white or creamy in colour.Can be used like butter, oil, or shortening for cooking or baking.
Surprisingly, several types of fish made it onto the list of healthiest foods, with Ocean Perch securing the top spot. It ranked third on the list of most nutritious foods, scoring a remarkable 89 out of 100.
According to Facts.net, 100g of this fish contains only 79 calories while providing roughly 20g of protein. This deep-sea fish, also known as rockfish, is low in saturated fats.
Top 20 healthiest foodsAlmondsCherimoyaOcean perchFlatfishChia seedsPumpkin seedsSwiss chardPork fatBeet greensSnapperDried parsleyCelery flakesWatercressTangerinesGreen peasPikeAlaska pollockGreen onionRed cabbagePacific cod