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Bacon is a staple breakfast in many households. It's basically made from pork but goes through a process where it's soaked in ingredients such as nitrates, salt, etc.
Although it tastes and smells great and has a rich and crunchy flavor, is this processed pork meat really good for you? Let’s find out as we outline a few important things about your favorite pork product.
How is bacon made?
If you assume that bacon’s a simple cut of meat, you're wrong. Yes, it's made from pork, but it goes through a curing process in which the pork meat is soaked in nitrates, salt, and sugar, and smoked afterwards. So, it's basically processed meat, but the ingredients used to process it vary largely from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Is bacon nutritious?
Just like other meat products, processed pork meat is fairly nutritious too.
A 100-gram piece of cooked bacon has:
- Animal protein – approximately 37 grams
- Vitamins – B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12
- Calories – 541
- Fat – 41.78 grams
- Protein – 37.04 grams
- Carbs- 1.43 grams
- Phosphorous – 53% of the RDA
- Selenium – 89% of the RDA
Other nutrients include magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, etc.
An important point to note here is that all the aforementioned nutrients and vitamins are also found in various other less-processed pork items. So, yes, you have other healthy pork options to include in your dishes other than this highly processed one.
Loaded with fat
Bacon is rich in fat, but it mostly consists of oleic acid and monosaturated fat that’s good for the heart and overall health.
While much of the fat in the pork product is healthy, do not ignore the fact that it also contains saturated fat, which is believed to increase the risk factors for heart problems. If you're limiting your portion size, though, you're good to go.
Another good thing is that, as bacon is high in fat, it can help you manage your food cravings, which in turn can help keep your weight in check.
High in salt
Bacon has a very high salt content, so consuming it daily can increase the risk of diseases and health problems, including stomach cancer, blood pressure, etc. People who're especially sensitive to salt must consider limiting their intake of salt-rich foods, such as bacon.
Nitrates and nitrites
Processed meat contains nitrates and nitrites, which are additives added to preserve its flavor and color. While these compounds cause no problems on their own, they can become harmful when exposed to heat, as they turn into cancer-causing chemicals called nitrosamines.
The good news, though, is that manufacturers frequently add antioxidants like erythorbic acid and Vitamin C during the curing process to reduce the formation of cancer-causing chemicals. Nevertheless, a high intake may still enhance the risk of cancer.
How to cook bacon?
There are several ways to prepare this pork product. You can grill and enjoy it alongside toast and eggs, or pair it with vegetables and other items to make it even more delicious and rich.
You can also make a bacon sandwich with a slice of meat, lettuce, avocado, and tomato, and top it with your favorite sauce and seasonings. You can even add it to your favorite noodles or salad.
Wrapping up
If you're obsessed with bacon, rest assured you can have it in your diet but in moderation. The key to enjoying this processed meat is to eat it occasionally rather than including it in your everyday meals. Better yet, try pairing it with antioxidants like vitamin C or add healthier filling options with it.
If you're having it for breakfast, go easy on meat for the rest of the day, and include other essential food items in your remaining meals. When you consume bacon in moderation and balance it with lots of lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables, you get the most delicious and nutrient-dense diet. Just remember that when it comes to processed meat, a little goes a long way.
