Looking for a healthy meat option? Pork loin is a great choice! Learn more about the nutritional benefits of pork loin and why it’s a healthy option for your next meal.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Pork loin is a popular cut of meat that is often considered to be a healthy choice. Pork loin is a leaner cut of pork that is lower in fat and calories than other cuts, such as pork chops. While pork loin is a healthier choice than some other cuts of pork, it is important to keep portion size in mind, as eating too much pork loin can lead to weight gain. In addition, pork loin is often high in sodium, so it is important to choose a lower sodium option when possible.
Nutritional Information
Pork loin is a good source of protein and is low in fat. It is also a good source of B vitamins, phosphorus, and zinc. Pork loin is a leaner meat than other cuts of pork, making it a healthier choice.
Calories
Pork loin is a good source of protein and only contains a small amount of fat. A 3-ounce serving of pork loin has about 140 calories and 10 grams of fat.
Protein
Pork loin is an excellent source of high-quality protein. A 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of roasted pork loin contains 26 grams of protein (2).
Protein is an essential nutrient that supports many functions in your body. It’s responsible for building and maintaining muscle mass, as well as other tissues, and it plays a role in metabolism, cell maintenance, and the transport of nutrients throughout your body (3).
Getting enough protein is important for everyone, but it’s especially critical for athletes and people who are trying to build muscle mass. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.36 grams per pound (0.8 grams per kg) of body weight — or about 54 grams per day for a 150-pound (68-kg) person (4). However, active individuals may require more than the RDA to support their exercise routines.
Fat
When it comes to pork, the fat content is where things can get a little tricky. The amount of fat in pork loin can vary quite a bit, depending on the cut and how it’s prepared. For example, a lean pork loin chop that’s been grilled will have less fat than a pork loin chop that’s been breaded and fried.
That being said, all pork loin cuts are relatively lean when compared to other types of pork, such as bacon or spareribs. A 3-ounce serving of boneless, cooked pork loin (about 85 grams) contains just under 5 grams of total fat,1 which is less than 20% of the daily recommended amount for adults.2 And less than half of that fat is saturated.
Saturated Fat
One important thing to consider when determining whether pork loin is a healthy choice is the saturated fat content. Pork loin is a leaner meat, but it still contains saturated fat. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake to no more than 13 grams per day. A 3-ounce serving of pork loin contains approximately 2.5 grams of saturated fat.
Cholesterol
There is no denying that pork loin is a delicious and versatile meat. But is it a healthy choice? Let’s take a look at the nutritional information to find out.
Pork loin is an excellent source of protein, providing 26 grams in a 3-ounce serving. It is also a good source of niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus and selenium. But where pork loin falls short is in its fat and cholesterol content. A 3-ounce serving of pork loin contains 5 grams of fat and 85 mg of cholesterol. That’s about 20% of the daily recommended intake for fat and 30% of the recommended intake for cholesterol.
So, if you’re looking for a leaner protein option, pork loin might not be the best choice. But if you’re looking for something to add flavor to your meals, pork loin is a great option. Just be sure to enjoy it in moderation.
Sodium
Pork tenderloin is very low in sodium. A 3-oz. serving of pork tenderloin contains only 69 mg of sodium, which is less than 3 percent of the maximum recommended daily intake for sodium, according to the American Heart Association.
Carbohydrates
Pork loin is a nutritious, low-fat source of protein. A 3-ounce serving of pork loin contains only 3 grams of fat, of which only 1 gram is saturated. There are no carbohydrates in pork loin.
Fiber
Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet. It helps to regulate digestion and can also promote feelings of fullness, helping you to control your weight. Pork loin is a good source of fiber, with about 3 grams in a 3-ounce serving. This is about 10 percent of the daily recommended intake for fiber, which is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men, according to the Institute of Medicine.
Sugar
Pork loin is a lean meat with a small amount of fat. It is a good source of protein and essential nutrients, such as iron and zinc. However, pork loin also contains high levels of sugar.
A 3-ounce serving of pork loin contains 7 grams of sugar. This is equivalent to 1.75 teaspoons of sugar. The American Heart Association recommends that adults consume no more than 6 teaspoons of sugar per day.
The Bottom Line
While pork tenderloin is an extremely lean cut of meat, it is still pork. This means that it is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. If you are concerned about your cardiovascular health, you should limit your intake of pork tenderloin.
Pork tenderloin is a good source of protein and certain vitamins and minerals, but it is not a particularly healthy choice overall. If you are looking for a leaner alternative to pork tenderloin, consider leaner cuts of pork like pork loin or pork chops.
Recipes
Pork loin is a great source of protein and can be very healthy if cooked properly. It is important to choose lean cuts of pork loin and cook it until it is well done. Pork loin can be roasted, grilled, or baked and makes a great addition to any meal.
Pork Loin with Apples and Onions
This recipe features pork loin, apples, and onions cooked together in a foil packet. It’s an easy and healthy recipe that can be made in the oven or on the grill.
Ingredients:
-1 pound pork loin, trimmed
-2 apples, cored and sliced
-1 onion, sliced
-1 teaspoon dried thyme
-Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the pork loin in the center of a large sheet of aluminum foil.
3. Top with apples, onions, thyme, salt and pepper.
4. Fold the foil up around the ingredients, making a sealed packet.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before opening the packet and serving.
Roasted Pork Loin with Sweet Potatoes
Pork loin is a delicious and lean cut of meat that is perfect for a healthy, hearty meal. This recipe for roasted pork loin with sweet potatoes is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The pork loin is rubbed with a mixture of herbs and spices, then roasted in the oven until it is tender and juicy. The sweet potatoes are roasted alongside the pork loin, and they make a delicious side dish that is healthy and satisfying.
Grilled Pork Loin with Peach Salsa
This recipe is healthy and flavorful, perfect for summer grilling! The pork loin is a lean cut of meat, and grilling it helps to keep it tender and juicy. The peach salsa is a refreshing and colorful topping that enhances the flavor of the pork. Serve this dish with a side of grilled vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.
