Have you heard the old pork farmers’ saying, “We use everything but the oink?” That’s because no other animal provides society with a wider range of products than swine, according to the National Pork Board. Along with all the food products that come from pigs – and the co-products used to make everything from handbags to insect repellent – their insulin is used in the treatment of diabetes. Specially preserved and treated hog heart valves are also used to replace damaged human heart valves, and pig skin is used to treat severe burn victims.
Here are some other pork particulars:
- Pork – representing 42.6 percent of total meat consumed – is the world’s most widely eaten meat, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Ham remains the No. 1 lunch sandwich served in homes, and pork is the leader of meat pizza toppings.
- Pork tenderloin has fewer total fat grams than skinless chicken breast, based on 3-ounce broiled or roasted servings.
- Pork is an excellent source of B vitamins and protein.
- Bacon is not only one of the most widely loved meats but also one of the oldest. Around 1500 B.C., pork bellies were being salted and preserved in China.
- Several slices of bacon are healthier in terms of calories, salt, fat and cholesterol than a hot dog, hamburger or glazed donut.
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