Is it advised to eat pork daily?

Answer:

Pork is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, known for its high-quality protein and abundance of vitamins, iron, and zinc, which are beneficial to health. Nevertheless, daily and excessive consumption without varying the diet can cause several health issues.

Primarily, such a diet can lead to nutritional imbalances and decreased appetite. Relying solely on pork, while neglecting other protein sources like fish, chicken, and tofu, as well as a variety of vegetables and fruits, can cause deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals and impair digestive health.

Roast pork. Illustration photo by Pixabay

Additionally, pork is calorie-dense, particularly when cooked with fats and oils, which may contribute to weight gain and obesity. Certain cuts of pork, such as the belly, trotters, and organ meats, are high in saturated fats and can elevate bad cholesterol (LDL), increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

It is recommended to maintain a diverse and balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to ensure overall health. Carbohydrates should form 50-60% of your diet, primarily sourced from vegetables and whole grains like brown bread, brown rice, and potatoes.

Proteins should account for 13-20% of your total caloric intake, with an emphasis on seafood, then poultry like chicken and duck, alongside moderate consumption of pork and beef.

Fats should be obtained from both animal and plant sources, such as meat, fish, nuts, and seeds.

Dr. Nguyen Duy Thinh

Institute of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology