Pork is the meant of the domestic pig.
Although it is a popular choice of meat, it’s consumption is forbidden in religions such as Judaism, Hinduism and Islam. For this reason, pork is illegal in many Islamic countries.
It is often eaten unprocessed but cured and preserved pork products are also very common. This include smoked pork, ham, bacon and sausages.
Pork is a high protein food and contains varying amounts of fat.
Like all meat, pork is mostly made up of protein. Lean, cooked pork is made up of around 26% protein by fresh weight. It contains all the essential amino acids necessary for the growth and maintenance of our bodies. By dry weight, the protein content of lean pork can be as high as 89%, making it one of the highest dietary sources of protein.
It contains all the essential amino acids necessary for the growth and maintenance of our bodies.
For this reason, eating pork may be of particular benefit for bodybuilders, recovering athletes and post-surgical patients.
Pork fat proportions usually ranges from 10 to 16% but it can be much higher depending on the level of trimming.
Interestingly clarified pig fat, called lard, is sometimes used as cooking fat.
