Eating pork has a risk of infection with tapeworms. In addition, consuming this meat in excess is also associated with the risk of developing diabetes high cholesterol, heart disease, and cancer.
Pork is very rich in protein. Pork is also considered a source of potassium, phosphorus, and zinc the good one. Niacin (vitamin B3), thiamine (vitamin B1), folate, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and vitamin B6 are also contained in this meat.
The content of saturated fat in pork, especially the tenderloin, lower than poultry. Even so, the cholesterol and total fat content of pork is still higher.
Pork and Tapeworms
Although it is commonly consumed and considered as a good source of protein, there are risks associated with pork, namely tapeworm infection or taeniasis. This is a disease caused by a worm infection Taenia solium aka pork tapeworm. This type of pork tapeworm can be found all over the world, especially in countries with poor sanitation systems.
In these countries, pigs are allowed to roam freely to the risk of consuming human waste containing tapeworm eggs. Tapeworms can also enter through food or drink that has been contaminated by the worm eggs.
Tapeworm eggs that enter the human stomach will hatch into larvae. Furthermore, the larvae will continue their journey to the intestines and enter the blood circulation. In addition to the digestive tract, tapeworms can also spread to other parts of the human body, such as muscles, eyes, and brain.
Tapeworm infections are usually non-specific or show no symptoms at all. Symptoms of tapeworm infection that can appear include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea and vomiting. If it spreads to the muscles, a tapeworm infection can cause small bumps under the skin.
Pork tapeworm infection in the brain is known as neurocysticercosis. Symptoms can include headaches, visual disturbances, seizures, and decreased consciousness. Other symptoms that indicate tapeworms have infected the brain are confusion, difficulty concentrating, impaired body coordination, and signs of brain swelling.
Pork and Health Impact
Pork which is categorized as red meat should not be consumed in excess. It is said that consuming 100 grams of red meat or 50 grams of processed meat daily, can increase the risk of developing colon cancer by 17 percent. Pork isn't the only thing classed as red meat. There is also beef and lamb which are also red meat, so they have a similar risk.
Another health impact of consuming excess pork is high cholesterol and obesity. Even some studies say that an unhealthy diet with excessive high fat meat intake is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Although high in protein and it is recommended to consume meat in limited quantities.
To avoid the risk of getting pork tapeworm, choose and consume pork that is really fresh and has gone through a hygienic processing. Also, cook the pork until it is completely cooked.
The recommended pork chops are cuts of meat from the part whose name contains the word “-loin", as tenderloin. Pork should also be cooked at a temperature of 62-71 degrees Celsius.
To ensure the nutritional content of pork that you want to eat, read the label on the pork packaging when buying. In addition, buy pork that is guaranteed clean.
