It scored 73 out of 100 in a global nutrition ranking, placing eighth among the world’s 100 healthiest foods – higher than peas, tomatoes, oranges and sweet potato
Pork fat was 8th on the list
We’re all aware that fruit and vegetables are championed for their nutritional benefits, but there’s one animal product that’s been hailed as healthier than many green foods.
In a ranking of the world’s 100 healthiest foods, pork fat clinched the eighth spot for its nutritional value. With a nutritional score of 73 out of 100, pork fat, better known as lard, outperformed 92 other foods, including peas, red cabbage, tomatoes, mackerel, lettuce, oranges and sweet potato.
According to BBC Future, pork fat is a rich source of B vitamins and minerals. It’s also more unsaturated and healthier than lamb or beef fat.
Lard contains monounsaturated fats like oleic acid – also found in olive oil – which are beneficial for heart health. It also has some saturated fats, which are fine in moderate amounts.
However, it’s important to consider how the pigs were raised to fully benefit from the nutritional advantages. Lard provides fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin D, especially if the pigs were raised outdoors, reports Surrey Live.
New research suggested ditching red meat in favour of oily fishes, such as kippers and herring, could be the key to preventing cancer in the future(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Moreover, pasture-raised pork fat tends to be healthier due to superior nutrient content.
So, don’t always feel guilty when indulging in pork fat or lard. However, as with everything, moderation is key.
Interestingly, no other animal fat or meat made the list.
Instead, quite a few fish made the cut with Ocean Perch being the top healthiest fish to eat. It came in at number three on a list of the most nutritious foods you can eat, scoring 89 out of 100.
100g of the fish has just 79 calories but around 20 grams of protein, according to Facts.net. The deep-water fish is also known as rockfish and is low in saturated fats. But it’s benefits don’t stop there.
The fish is also known for:
Vitamin B12, crucial for nerve health and red blood cell productionVitamin D, aiding calcium absorption and bone healthSelenium, a powerful antioxidantPhosphorus, promoting healthy bones and energy metabolismTop 20 healthiest foodsAlmondsCherimoyaOcean perchFlatfishChia seedsPumpkin seedsSwiss chardPork fatBeet greensSnapperDried parsleyCelery flakesWatercressTangerinesGreen peasPikeAlaska pollockGreen onionRed cabbagePacific cod