Pork leg is a popular food in the cuisine of many countries, can be stewed, braised, boiled, salted... Although it has some nutritional value - especially rich in collagen and protein - this type of meat also contains a lot of fat and purine. To enjoy pork leg without harming your health, here are 3 things you need to keep in mind.
Do not eat more than once a week
Pig's trotters are a meaty part that contains a lot of tendons, fat and skin, rich in collagen and protein, and also has a high amount of saturated fat. Regular consumption of pig's trotters can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and stroke.
Research from the Harvard School of Public Health (USA) shows that saturated fat increases bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood - the main factor causing clogged arteries. In addition, for people who are sedentary or overweight, eating pork leg regularly can cause the body to accumulate fat faster, making it difficult to control weight.
Therefore, healthy adults should only eat pig's feet a maximum of once a week, combined with a diet rich in green vegetables, whole grains and low-fat protein sources such as chicken, fish or tofu.
Do not eat with a lot of rice or starch
A common mistake when eating pig's feet is to eat them with a large amount of starch such as white rice, instant noodles, bread or vermicelli. This makes the meal unbalanced, easily taking in too many calories without enough fiber or necessary vitamins. Refined starch, when combined with fatty foods such as pig's feet, can quickly increase blood sugar and cause a feeling of fatigue and drowsiness after eating.
For people with diabetes or prediabetes, this combination is even more dangerous because it can spike blood sugar levels. In addition, excess energy from both ham and starch, if not burned, will be converted into fat that accumulates in the liver and waist.
Do not eat after 8pm
Pork leg is a rich and nutritious dish but is difficult to digest, especially when prepared in traditional ways such as salty stews or braised pork. Eating pork leg late at night (after 8pm) can cause bloating, difficulty sleeping, and digestive disorders due to the stomach having to work hard.
According to experts from Cleveland Clinic, eating a high-fat and high-protein dinner late in the evening can increase the risk of acid reflux, indigestion, and negatively affect sleep quality. In the long term, this habit can also lead to weight gain and metabolic disorders.
Therefore, if you want to eat pig's feet, choose to enjoy it at lunch or early afternoon. If you eat it in the evening, you should eat it before 7pm in a small amount, prioritizing the preparation method without too many spices.
Who should not eat pig's feet?
- People with high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease: Pig's feet contain a lot of saturated fat which can increase bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis.
- People with gout or high uric acid: Pig's feet contain a lot of purines. When entering the body, purines are converted into uric acid, which can lead to severe joint pain in people with gout.
- People who are obese or on a diet: Because it contains a lot of fat and calories, pig's feet are not suitable for people who need to control their weight. Eating it regularly can easily cause fat accumulation, especially in the abdomen.
(According to Vietnamnet.vn)
Source: http://baovinhphuc.com.vn/Multimedia/Images/Id/128671/3-khong-khi-an-thit-chan-gio
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