Pork fat has been ranked eighth for its nutritional value in a list of the world’s 100 healthiest foods. The list by BBC Future features the 100 most nutritious foods calculated and ranked by scientists. The scientists studied more than 1,000 foods and assigned them the nutritional score.
Pork fat secures the eighth position with a nutritional score of 73 out of 100. 100g of Pork fat has 632kcal. Pork fat is a good source of B vitamins and minerals. It is more unsaturated and healthier than lamb or beef fat. According to Healthline, Pork fat is low in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and slightly richer in unsaturated fats.
Though consuming fruits and vegetables is recommended for their nutritional benefits, one protein source has been rated healthier than many green vegetables!
Clarified pig fat, known as lard is sometimes used as a cooking fat, for its distinctive flavour and nutritional value. The monounsaturated fats, such as oleic acid, also found in olive oil, are beneficial for heart health. How the pigs were raised also affects the nutritional benefits. According to the reports by Surrey Live, lard provides fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin D, especially if the pigs were raised outdoors. Pasture-raised pork fats are healthier due to their nutritional value. Hence there is no need to feel guilty while indulging in lard. However, always keep in mind that moderation is the key.
Almonds hold the first position in the list of the world’s 100 healthiest foods. The nutritional score of almonds is 97. They are followed by cherimoya, ocean perch, flatfish, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and Swiss chard. Pork fat is in the eighth position. The protein is followed by some of the vegetables, and fish, including beet greens, peas, red cabbage, tomatoes, mackerel, lettuce, oranges, and sweet potato. Green onion, Alaska Pollock, Pacific Cod, scallops, basil, slams, chilli pepper, broccoli raab, kale, mustard leaves, romaine lettuce, coriander, fish roe, and apricots, are also on the healthiest food list.