DASH TO BETTER HEALTH WITH PORK

Adults living with pre-hypertension are often advised by physicians to make lifestyle changes to lower their blood pressure. Some may need drug therapy, but studies show that aside from prescription drugs, the best way to treat hypertension is with diet and exercise.

COMPARE PORK

How does pork compare to other meats for fat, calories and cholesterol? Pork today compares favorably for fat, calories and cholesterol with many other meats and poultry. While providing a greater amount of vitamins and minerals, many cuts of pork are as lean or leaner than chicken.

HOW TO PULL PORK

1. Once the shoulder or sirloin roast is tender and finished cooking, remove from heat and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes.
2. Holding a large fork in each hand, begin “pulling” apart and shredding the meat into long, thin strands. Place the pork pieces in a large baking dish or pan.
3. Discard any excess fat, drizzle with sauce if desired, and serve.

PORK COOKING TEMPERATURE

Finding the correct pork cooking temperature is the final step in plating a perfectly juicy, tender cut of meat. Pork today is very lean, making it important to not overcook and follow the recommended pork cooking temperature. The safe internal pork cooking temperature for fresh cuts is 145° F. To check doneness properly, use a digital cooking thermometer to measure the temperature at the thickest part of the cut without touching any bone. Once you have reached the desired internal temperature, remove from heat and let it rest for three minutes.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS IN PORK

Did you know that pork is an “excellent” source of nutrients important to our health such as thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, phosphorus and protein and a “good” source of zinc and potassium?