Eating pork has a risk of tapeworm infection. In addition, excessive consumption of meat is also associated with the risk of high cholesterol, heart disease and cancer.
Pork is indeed very rich in protein. Pork is also considered a good source of potassium, phosphorus, and zinc. 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 portion, is lower than in poultry. Even so, cholesterol and total fat content of pork remains higher.
Pork and Tapeworms
Although commonly consumed and considered a good source of protein, there are risks associated with pork, namely tapeworm infection or taeniasis. This is a disease caused by Taenia solium worm infection, aka pork tapeworm. This type of tapeworm can be found all over the world, especially in countries with poor sanitation systems.
In these countries, pigs are allowed to roam freely and risk eating human excrement containing tapeworm eggs. Tapeworms can also enter through food or drinks that have been contaminated by the worm eggs.
Tapeworm eggs that enter the human stomach will hatch into larvae. Furthermore, the larvae will continue the journey to the intestine and into the blood circulation. Apart from the digestive tract, tapeworms can also spread to other parts of the human body, such as muscles, eyes, and brain.
Tapeworm infections are usually not specific or even show no symptoms at all. Symptoms of tapeworm infections that can occur include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation and nausea, vomiting. If it spreads to muscles, tapeworm infection can cause small lumps under the skin.
Pig 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 Impacts
Pork which is categorized as red meat should not be consumed excessively. It is said that consuming 100 grams of red meat or 50 grams of processed meat every day, can increase the risk of colon cancer by 17 percent. Pork is not the only one classed as red meat. There is also beef and lamb which is also red meat, so it has a similar risk.
Other health effects of consuming excess pork are high cholesterol and obesity. Some studies even suggest that unhealthy eating patterns with excessive intake of high fat meat are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Although it is high in protein and it is recommended to consume meat in limited quantities.
To avoid the risk of being exposed to pork tapeworms, select and consume pork that is really fresh and has undergone a hygienic processing. In addition, cook pork until completely cooked.
The recommended pork is the cut of meat from the part whose name contains the word "-loin", such as tenderloin. Pork should also be cooked at a temperature of 62-71 degrees Celsius.
To guarantee the nutritional content of the pork that you want to consume, read the label on the pork packaging when buying. In addition, buy pork that is guaranteed clean.
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