Pork fat, often overlooked in discussions about healthy eating, has surprised many by securing the eighth spot in a global ranking of the world’s healthiest foods.
Scoring 73 out of 100, it outperformed numerous vegetables and fruits, including peas, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.
This ranking places it ahead of commonly celebrated foods like mackerel, lettuce, and oranges, sparking fresh conversations about the nutritional value of animal fats.
Packed with beneficial monounsaturated fats, such as oleic acid (also found in olive oil), pork fat offers heart-healthy benefits. It also contains essential vitamins like Vitamin D, especially when sourced from pigs raised outdoors.
While moderate consumption is key, pork fat stands out as a more unsaturated and healthier alternative to beef and lamb fats.
Surprisingly, pork fat isn’t the only contender from the animal kingdom. Ocean Perch, ranking third with a score of 89, claimed a top spot in the health rankings for its low calorie and high protein content.
This deep-water fish, also known as rockfish, offers a lean protein punch with just 79 calories per 100 grams, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes a nutritious diet.
The list of the top 20 healthiest foods reveals some unexpected winners, including almonds, chia seeds, and Swiss chard.
Despite the controversy over animal fats, the nutritional profile of pasture-raised pork fat offers unique benefits, challenging the idea that all fats should be avoided in a balanced diet.
As with any food, moderation remains critical, but it seems pork fat might deserve a second glance in the ongoing search for better dietary choices.
You May Also Like: York County 4-H Meats Judges Gear Up for National Competition
