Despite the fact that pork can be a source of nutrients such as protein and iron, it is associated with a number of health problems. But how much and what type of meats are best for health? Salmonella, E. coli, and norovirus are just some of the foodborne illness-causing microorganisms found in all kinds of raw meat, from chicken to seafood. [4]. A similar relationship was seen in the ten Canadian provinces, where there was no correlation between cirrhosis mortality and alcohol consumption, but a significant correlation was obtained with pork. He believes in providing reliable and objective nutritional information to allow informed decisions. I have never heard people ordering medium pork. "Substitution of plant protein for animal protein, especially that from processed red meat, was associated with lower mortality, suggesting the importance of protein source.". The researchers behind the study say that the infection rate is highest in the autumn and winter months, which is when farmers are preparing for the Christmas season and the demand for pork is at its highest. There are remarkably strong correlations between pork consumption and liver disease, liver cancer, and multiple sclerosis. Pork is high in saturated fat. Home Features Health Food and Nutrition. Commenter George Henderson prompted us to look into the modern case for avoiding pork with this comment: "Nanji and Bridges identified possible problems with pork plus moderate alcohol in 1985 and other researchers have confirmed the pattern since.". In 1995, 25 million gallons of putrid hog urine and feces spilled into a North Carolina river, immediately killing between 10 and 14 million fish. Here are our top 10 reasons to keep pork off your fork and put delicious Babe-free alternatives on your shopping list instead. With pigs eating healthier, pork lovers can, too. Are Smoked Meats Bad for Your Health? - Cleveland Clinic Posted February 8, 2012 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan Key points Pork may be even more strongly associated with alcoholic cirrhosis than alcohol itself. Firstly, B vitamins play a critical role in the human body by (6); Furthermore, research clearly shows that B vitamin deficiency may lead to anxiety, depression and various types of brain dysfunction (7). This more commonly affects humans than dogs. In the middle of the 20th century, a new law greatly reduced trichinella infestations in pigs by banning raw meats in pig feed. The CSPI is looking to the food industry to reduce contamination of their products with bacteria such. May 6, 2023 in Food and Nutrition Edited and reviewed by Zoe Gordon Although in small quantities of under 70 grams (2.5 ounces) / day, red meat is not as harmful to your health, consumption of. Why The Pig Is The Most Loved And Most Loathed Animal On The Plate - NPR This means that its now safe to eat pink pork without catching worms, but there is a consequence of this yersiniosis. summary. A new two-step alcohol reduction strategy appears to work by focusing on "why" and "how" messages associated with addictive behavior. You just met The One or maybe a shady character. Regarding the relation between alcohol consumption and mortality from liver cirrhosis, the correlation coefficient is lower than for pork consumption. Another concern is the use of ractopamine, which is a drug that is often given to pigs to increase their lean meat content. The danger of pork lies in its ability to carry parasites and other infectious diseases. In 2006, a study compared plant with animal protein, concluding that "with a proper combination of sources, vegetable proteins may provide similar benefits as protein from animal sources.". This means eating a variety of foods, including more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods, and plant-based protein sources such as beans and peas.. Even so, the prevailing evidence seems to show negative effects of red meat consumption. This helps support the site! USDA recalls H-E-B brand pulled pork over allergen risk - mySA Let's take an example. That said, the kind of sterile, hygienic environment pigs are kept in, in order to satisfy the needs of the consumer, is a whole different can of worms up for discussion. 1986 Jul;20(3):279-82. http://pmid.us/3638477. In the 20th century, mankind rethought its animal consumption, and industrial farming took over. Ethically, slaughtering billions of animals every year (especially animals as -- or even more -- intelligent than dogs) is not the right thing to do. These range from the fatty acid profile to potential parasitic bacteria that the meat can carry. Did our ancestors pass over wild bore when they were hunting. Before we look at the health benefits and concerns, here are the complete nutritional values for pork. In statistical models including known problem causers for the liver, such as alcohol, hepatitis B and C infection, pork remained independently associated with liver disease. Yersinia has also been linked with neurological complications, liver abscesses and Graves disease among others. The high omega-6 in pork only really affects fatty cuts of pork like bacon and belly pork (more than 5 g of omega-6 fatty acids per 100 grams). In fact, according to the USDA, beef is actually more likely to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum than pork. You will always find differences between individual studies, and you can find studies that support varying viewpoints. Its worth noting, though, that vegetable oils with higher polyunsaturated fatty acid content than pork dont seem to cause liver disease in the way that pork may do. There was no significant correlation with beef consumption. This overuse of antibiotics has led to the development of superbacteria, or antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Correlations were also observed for pancreatic and prostate cancer, although the associations were not as strong. However, a significant correlation was obtained between cirrhosis and pork. But no other common dietary component can substitute for the role of polyunsaturated fat in causing liver disease. Source: Meateater.tv, Steve Rinella (one of the bear huntrs. There issufficient evidence to draw a link between the consumption of processed meat products and cancer, WHO experts also conclude. 1985 Mar 23;1(8430):681-3. http://pmid.us/2858627. 100 grams of pork chop contains the essential amino acids in the following concentrations (2); Pork contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, and it is also one of the key providers of crucial nutrients for US adults. And forget the silly saying sweating like a pigpigs cant even sweat! The ham, bacon, and sausage that youre eating may make the drugs that your doctor prescribes the next time you get sick completely ineffective. In fact, the world consumes more than 100,000 tons of pork every single year ( 1 ). Research demonstrates that consuming sufficient dietary collagen helps to strengthen and keep hair, skin and joints healthy (14, 15). Alcohol is of course a main driver here, but pig meat has been repeatedly proven to play a role in both liver cancer and cirrhosis. Discover Why and How to Make It Tender! Leaner cuts of pork like tenderloin contain minimal levels of omega-6 (<500 mg per 100 grams). Vitamin B12 is particularly important for helping to prevent depression (8, 9). The work has inherent risks but for decades the US government has failed to . Additionally, the cooking and storage methods for pork and beef are generally the same, which means that any potential contamination of pork meat by Clostridium botulinum is likely to be similar to the contamination of beef meat. [4]. The source of the outbreak was traced back to whats called pig brain mist, which is tiny particles of brain tissue thats blasted into the air during the carcass processing. For instance, the link between pork and multiple sclerosis (MS) is known at least since the 1980s, and has been demonstrated across dozens of countries. 1 It seems there is something else in pork that makes pork consumption risky. Beef has no relation at all to liver cancer. To get around water pollution limits, factory farms will frequently take the tons of urine and feces that are stored in cesspools and turn them into liquid waste that they spray into the air. Here is Nanji and French summarizing the correlation of pork with liver disease even in the absence of alcohol: In countries with low alcohol consumption, no correlation was obtained between alcohol consumption and cirrhosis. 4 Hidden Dangers of Pork - Cookist For instance, a 2011 analysis found that for each additional 100 grams of red meat (either pork or beef) per day, the risk of colorectal cancer increases by 17%. We would expect that if pork can cause liver cirrhosis it will also promote liver cancer since injured and inflamed tissues are more likely to become cancerous. Pigs were domesticated in Mesopotamia, around 15,000 years ago. We then answer the central question; is eating pork good or bad for you? However, according to a recent study, meat is also to blame. Relationship to wine and pork consumption. The previously mentioned 2015 CDC study looked at 84 trichinosis cases over a five-year period. Consuming sufficient amounts of the B vitamins is vital for several different reasons. There are many things we don't fully understand about nutrition, but what we do know is that the total matters more than the sum of the parts. Myoglobin is a red-pigmented protein, and it is responsible for the color of meat. Correlation coefficients range from -1.0 to 1.0, and a coefficient of 1.0 would indicate that cirrhosis mortality was strictly proportional to pork consumption. A 2016 literature review found that for 100g or more per day of red meat, the risk breast cancer increases by 11%, 17% for colorectal cancer, and 19% for prostate cancer. Let's say the cancer risk is 10%, and pork consumption causes a 17% increase in the total cancer risk. Other meats arent as high in omega-6 fatty acids as pork, and this may play a role in liver disease. After correcting for differences in nations' wealth (Gross Domestic Product), calorie consumption, levels of urbanization and of physical inactivity, which are all major contributors to obesity, sugar availability remained an important factor, contributing independently 13%, while meat contributed another 13% to obesity," said Professor Maciej Henneberg, head of the Biological Anthropology and Comparative Anatomy Research Unit, and one of the study authors. Steak and Eggs: An Old-School Diet For Weight Loss? There were even some beneficial impacts such as increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. UK meat producer Cranswick raises annual forecast on strong demand Poe was the first American to earn the sobrioquet of the brilliant, but troubled and alcoholic, writer. Symptoms of trichinosis may include nausea, abdominal pain, and inflammation of our muscles (including the heart) (22). This is characterized by symptoms similar to MS, with fatigue, numbness, tingling and pain. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (, Discover the Best Seasoning for Pork Leg to Elevate Your Culinary Skills, Discover the Best Apple Cider Brine for Pork Chops and Elevate Your Cooking Game, Discover the Best Pork Thyme Substitute for Your Delicious Recipes, Discover the Ultimate Pork Substitute for Chorizo A Delicious and Healthy Alternative, Deliciously Easy: Discover the Perfect Side Dish for Stuffed Pork Chop. More intelligent people are more likely to binge drink and get drunk. While it is true that raw pork often contains more dangerous bacteria than raw beef, the presence of these bacteria does not necessarily mean that pork is more dangerous than beef. Despite some claims from the industry, pork is undoubtedly red meat. There also seems to be a link between liver issues and pork. Uncooked meat can carry pathogens, while processed meat tends to be worse. For example; is it the processed meat which is a problem, or is it the overall dietary pattern of people eating processed meat? Recently, one such study published in late 2019 made all the rounds. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. Cancer. Pregnant women can experience bad reactions to the virus, including rapid-onset liver failure, and are at high risk of maternal and fetal fatality mothers who are infected during the third trimester risk a death rate of up to 25%. The infection. Pigs are often fed antibiotics to promote growth and prevent infections, but this can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. According to theGlobal Burden of Diseasestudy 4.7 million people died prematurely in 2017 as a result of obesity. Deliciously Creamy Bland Pumpkin Soup Recipe for a Cozy Fall Evening, Discover the Best Dipping Sauce for Pork Egg Roll to Elevate Your Taste Buds, Delicious and Easy Side Dish for Pork Tamales Elevate Your Meal with This Flavor, Affiliate Disclosure & Advertising Policy. Think that you can outplay a pig on your Playstation? More than 170,000 pigs die in transport each year, and more than 420,000 are crippled by the time they arrive at the slaughterhouse. The workers inhaled these small tissue particles, and their immune systems formed antibodies to fight the antigens in the pig brain. Also, gelatinous cuts of pork contain large amounts of pre-formed collagen. Bridges found that beef actually appeared protective against cirrhosis: In the present study using 2003 data, a significant negative association between dietary beef and rates of cirrhosis mortality was found. [D]ietary beef may be a protective factor regarding the pathogenesis of alcoholic cirrhosis. But in factory farms, theyre forced to live in their own feces and vomit and even amid the corpses of other pigs. Processed pork is one of the biggest dietary sources of nitrosamines, and significant amounts of them have been found in pork liver pate, bacon, sausage, ham and other cured meats. Another recent study has found that eating two servings of red meat per week was linked to a 7% higher risk of heart and circulatory diseases, compared to eating none at all (again, this is relative risk). To diminish the risk of developing these infections, you should always cook your pork to the appropriate temperature. Although it is a non-essential amino acid, glycine has several significant health benefits. And a few molds, in the right conditions, produce "mycotoxins," poisonous substances that can make you sick. Pork meat is a particularly good source of B vitamins. Pigs are more likely to carry the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus than cows, 5. Fattier cuts of pork might need extra cooking time or hotter temperatures, as fat can protect the hepatitis viruses from destruction. It's no secret that the world (and especially the developed world) is facing an obesity crisis. Get the help you need from a therapist near youa FREE service from Psychology Today. A review of almost half a million people found a positive link between red meat consumption and cardiovascular disease and overall mortality. Why You Should NEVER Leave Your Dog Alone on a Balcony, Making a Summer Bucket List? There was no correlation with total fat meat, beef, and cigarette and tobacco consumption. It's worth noting that all these are big studies -- and there's more. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". This just means that we shouldn't jump on the next study that gets picked up by the media. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Credit: Farm Foods Market. These compounds are seen as probable human carcinogens (32, 33). "This study provides clear evidence that regular consumption of red meat, especially processed meat, contributes substantially to premature death," according to Dr. Frank Hu, one of the senior scientists involved in the study and a professor of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health. Interview: How the US is Making Meatpacking Jobs Even More Dangerous This study comes at a time when there is an ongoing outbreak of pandemic flu, which is a type of influenza that can spread from animals to humans. For one thing, a balanced ratio of glycine and methionine (an amino acid found in muscle meat) appears to hold longevity benefits. In fact, according to the USDA, beef is actually more likely to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum than pork. Raw or Undercooked Pork: Risks and Side Effects to Know - Healthline These insights were uncovered by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (5). to experiment on, eat, wear, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way. Receive a notification each time we publish a new article, and get exclusive guides direct to your inbox. It's not just Americans (although the US is near the top of the list for per capita red meat consumption) -- as the world is becoming more affluent, it is consuming more red meat, and pork is a staple in many parts of the world. It should be noted that this is an increase in relative risk. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Current subscribers: You will continue to receive e-mail unless you explicitly opt out by clicking, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming. Crowded into warehouses with nothing to do and nowhere to go, they are kept on a steady diet of drugs to keep them alive and make them grow faster, but the drugs cause many of the animals to become crippled under their own bulk. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Pork may be even more strongly associated with alcoholic cirrhosis than alcohol itself. Some epidemiological research suggests there is a link between processed meat and gastrointestinal cancers (28, 29). Many thanks to you for this great information. Pork does come with some health risks if not handled or cooked properly, same as beef and poultry. An infection transmitted by pork meat, it can occur when a dog eats the muscles of animals infected with the trichinella parasites. What a lot of people don't realize is that, in 2011, the USDA actually revised their pork cooking recommendations down from an internal temperature of 160F to 145F. While there is no conclusive proof of causation, it is probably better to employ gentle cooking methods and avoid burning pork or any other meat. Is Pork Still Dangerous? | Psychology Today While all this is going on, we experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever for starters, according to the CDC. Is it cooked at high temperatures? Nutritional Info from the WebMD Ingredients Guide Serving Size 4 Ounce-weight (113.4 g) Calories 176 % Daily Value* Total Fat 8 g 10% Saturated Fat 3 g 15% Trans Fat 0 g Cholesterol 76 mg 25%. As actor Cameron Diaz put it after hearing that pigs have the mental capacity of a 3-year-old human: [Eating bacon is] like eating my niece!. You may be surprised. Transport trucks, which carry pigs hundreds of miles through all weather extremes with no food or water, regularly flip over, throwing injured and dying animals onto the road. As mentioned, pork can contain large amounts of protein, but the idea that you need to eat red meat to get your protein is a myth. If youre trying to cut down on your red meat consumption, you might be wondering which type of meat is the least harmful to your health. Furthermore, various plant foods may contain less selenium than in the past due to selenium depletion in agricultural soil (17, 18). For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming. [6] Lauer K. Dietary changes in relation to multiple sclerosis in the Faroe Islands: an evaluation of literary sources. Discover the Best Pork for Slider Perfection: Unleash the Ultimate Flavor Experience! Another similar infection is caused by eating undercooked pork contaminated with Yersinia enterocolitica bacteria. According to the USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, a healthy dietary pattern can include lean meats and poultry but should involve "relatively lower consumption of red and processed meats." To begin with, let's get our terminology straight. Relationship between dietary beef, fat, and pork and alcoholic cirrhosis. I am wary over the high n-6 levels in the fattier cuts though. MS works in a similar way, using antigens that trigger an autoimmune response. This was just one study, the authors themselves admitted low-quality evidence, and the study was called into question in more ways than one (see our detailed analysis of that study here). There are a lot of differing opinions about whether beef or pork is the least healthy, and there are pros and cons to both. Can Pork Be Pink and Still Be Safe? - Smoked BBQ Source Why isn't pork popular? : r/nutrition - Reddit "We need nutrients, and we need amino acids that come from protein, but neither of these do we need from animal proteins," Hunne explains. Although deficiency is relatively rare in developed countries, selenium deficiency affects around 1 billion people worldwide (16). Over 80 billion animals are slaughtered each year for meat, with pig meat being the most popular type of meat globally (although poultry is increasing most rapidly). Pork enjoys popularity as fresh meat and also in a variety of pork products, such as bacon, sausages, and cured meat. The main concern with this type of infection is that it can lead to serious respiratory problems and even death in humans. Pork refers to the meat from a domestic pig, and it is the most popular type of meat in the world. Some things are healthier than others, and it's important to be careful with all aspects of your lifestyle. On the positive side, a 6 oz (170 g) pork chop contains more than 100% of the recommended daily allowance for selenium (2). Why is Pork Considered Bad? Uncovering the Truth Behind this Cook all raw pork steaks, chops, and roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145 F as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source. These terrified and injured animals are rarely offered veterinary care, and most languish in pain for hours; some even bleed to death on the side of the road. However, another study concluded that eating meat within the recommended quantity does not increase cardiovascular risk, and recent studies have called for more studies on this issue. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. One possible source is nitrosamines cancer-causing compounds created when nitrites and nitrates react with some amines from protein. This suggests that pork isnt just an addition to a different causative agent, but could be one in its own right. This is particularly concerning since pork is often consumed in processed form (in products such as bacon or sausages), which seem to have an even higher health risk. Foods that can cause a reaction include: Red meat, such as beef, pork or lamb. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These inspectors ensure that meat and poultry products are being handled safely and that they are meeting all necessary food safety and labeling requirements. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. In alpha-gal syndrome, reactions usually appear about 3 to 6 hours after you are exposed. This is consistent with the observations that MS is rare in countries where pork is forbidden by religious customs (e.g. One of the most serious infections that can be passed on through pork is trichinosis, which is caused by a parasite. However as Havard researchers have pointed out, even the dietary guidelines sometimes don't take into consideration the risks that their very own analyses highlight. This parasite can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. Stuff a sandwich full of Yves brand veggie ham slices, or throw some Lightlife Smart Bacon into a sizzling skilletthe freezer and health food sections of your local grocery or health food stores are packed full of these and other tastysubstitutes. Even children can contract this arthritis after having yersiniosis, leading to injections of osmic acid into problem joints to lessen the pain. But there's a problem -- several, actually. Another important aspect is how the meat is prepared: is it processed, and if yes, how? At the end of the day the reality is we have to eat! Some people believe that beef is the least healthy red meat because its higher in saturated fat and cholesterol. Pork consumption in the US has remained relatively stable for much of the past century (although chicken, turkey, and beef have increased compared to the early 1900s). The best way to reduce the risk of hepatitis E starts in the kitchen. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The fully cooked, pulled pork product was produced on May 15, 2023. While people who don't eat much meat (or don't eat meat at all) need to pay some attention to complementing their protein and vitamin intake, diets focused on plant rather than animal protein tend to be associated with better health outcomes. The federal Food Safety and Inspection Service website lists five different types of bacteria, including E. coli, that are found in all three types of meat and can make you sick if the germs aren't killed during cooking. Now 64% Off. Hepatitis B and C infection, exposure to aflatoxin (a cancer-causing substance produced by mold) and excessive consumption of alcohol can all lead to liver problems.