Pork Nutrition
Pork has many beneficial qualities that make it easy to incorporate into a balanced menu. The variety of options range from decadent and flavorful to lean and nutrient-rich cuts that are affordable, easy to make, and enjoyable to people of all ages.
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. Pork is also packed with protein, making it easy to include in a health-forward and balanced diet.
The Power of Pork Protein
The Institute of Medicine suggests that about 10-35% of your day’s total daily calories should come from protein; and of that protein, they recommend about 20 to 30 grams per meal to help maintain muscle mass and function.
Bonus: eating twice the recommended amount of protein has been linked to beneficial effects on muscle and body composition, leg power, weight loss, weight management, and healthy aging.
Did you know? Pork tenderloin is as lean as a boneless, skinless chicken breast.
Looking for lean cuts of pork? Pork cuts with the word “loin” or “chop” in the name are low in fat and high in protein.
- Pork Tenderloin
- Sirloin Pork Chop
- Sirloin Pork Roast
- New York Pork Chop
- Porterhouse Pork Chop
- Ribeye Pork Chop
- Pork Loin Roast