Pork And Keto: Approved Or Not?

Pork is a keto-approved food, as it contains no carbohydrates. It is a good source of protein and some fat, and it goes by many names, including ham, bacon, spare ribs, and pork chops. While some cuts of pork are lean, others are fattier and therefore more keto-friendly. These include pork belly and ribs. However, processed cuts of pork, such as bacon, tend to have fewer nutrients. Additionally, some pork dishes may contain added sugar, which is not keto-friendly.

Pork is keto-friendly as it contains no carbs

Pork is meat from pigs, and it covers a wide range of products, including ham, bacon, spare ribs, pork chops, and tenderloin. While it's easy to assume that because pigs are fat, pork is fatty, this isn't always the case. Many cuts of pork are as lean as chicken breast.

Pork contains no carbohydrates and is high in protein, making it ideal for a ketogenic diet. It also contains various micronutrients, such as zinc and selenium, which are essential for immune system health and thyroid hormone production, respectively. Lean cuts of pork, like tenderloin and pork chops, tend to have the highest nutrient content.

When consuming pork, it's important to be mindful of added sugars and additives, as these can be keto-unfriendly. For example, barbecue pulled pork and honey-roasted ham contain added sugars that can take you out of ketosis. Therefore, it's best to stick to unprocessed meats and be cautious when ordering pork at restaurants or during festive meals, where sugars and additives are more common.

In addition to pork, other keto-friendly meats include chicken, beef, fish, and seafood. These meats are also free of carbohydrates and provide essential nutrients, making them excellent choices for a ketogenic diet.

Pork belly is a fattier option than bacon

Pork is meat from pigs, and it goes by many different names, including ham, bacon, spare ribs, and more. Like all meat, pork is extremely keto-friendly. It's composed of lots of protein, some fat, and no carbs.

Bacon, on the other hand, is a cured cut of meat taken from the belly or side of a pig. The curing process involves submerging the meat in brine or heavily seasoning it with curing salt. Bacon is also often smoked to add flavour and ensure the rind doesn't become tough when cooked.

While both pork belly and bacon are delicious and keto-friendly options, they are not interchangeable in recipes due to their different textures and flavours. Pork belly is typically the star of the dish, while bacon is often used to add a smokey umami flavour or a salty crunch.

Lean cuts of pork are more nutritious than processed cuts

On the other hand, processed cuts of pork, such as bacon, tend to contain the least amount of nutrients. This is because they are considered "dirty keto", which means they may fit the low-carb macros of the keto diet but are not clean. They are likely to be higher in sodium and contain additives such as preservatives and sugar.

Therefore, if you are looking to obtain the most nutritional value from pork, opt for leaner cuts such as pork tenderloin or pork top loin chops, and avoid processed cuts like bacon.

Grass-fed pork is preferable to conventional pork

Pork is keto-approved, as it contains no carbohydrates. However, not all pork is the same. Grass-fed and pasture-raised pork is preferable to conventional pork for several reasons.

Firstly, grass-fed and pasture-raised animals have higher-quality fats than conventional meats. This is because pigs that are allowed to roam and eat grass, roots, and other pasture plants have a more natural diet. In contrast, factory-farmed pigs are fed a diet high in corn and soybean meal, which can negatively impact the fat quality of the meat.

Secondly, grass-fed and pasture-raised pigs are happier and healthier than pigs raised in factory farms. They have space to roam and exercise, breathe clean air, and exhibit natural behaviours such as rooting and wallowing. In contrast, factory-farmed pigs are often kept in crowded and unhygienic conditions, which can lead to health issues for both the pigs and humans who consume their meat.

Thirdly, grass-fed and pasture-raised pork is more ethical and sustainable than conventional pork. Factory farms have been criticised for their cruel treatment of animals and their negative impact on the environment and local communities. By choosing grass-fed and pasture-raised pork, consumers can support more humane and environmentally friendly farming practices.

Finally, grass-fed and pasture-raised pork simply tastes better. Pigs that are allowed to forage for their food and supplement their diet with grain or other feed produce meat that is more flavourful and tender than pigs that are solely grain-fed.

In summary, while all pork is keto-approved due to its lack of carbohydrates, grass-fed and pasture-raised pork is a healthier, more ethical, and more flavourful option than conventional pork. By choosing grass-fed and pasture-raised pork, consumers can support farming practices that benefit the animals, the environment, and their own taste buds.

Ham is keto-friendly if it's plain with no sugar or glaze

To avoid added carbohydrates, look for uncured ham, such as the popular brand Applegate Farms. Even if you can't find uncured ham, you can still choose ham with 0 grams of net carbs after curing by carefully reading the nutrition label. Carb counting aside, ham is packed with vitamins and minerals. A single serving provides 23% of the daily recommended amount of zinc, which is essential for immune function, wound healing, and fighting off colds. Selenium, which is necessary for hormone production, is also provided at 53% of the daily requirement in each serving of ham.

Ham is not just for sandwiches. It can be added to eggs, cheese, and tomatoes to make a tasty quiche, or it can be tossed into your favourite salad.

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