When faced with the question “What’s for dinner tonight?”, finding an answer can sometimes be daunting. With all the different recipes to choose from, and the lack of time you have to fix a meal, finding a solution for your entire family can be stressful.
The answer to that question moms are asked so frequently is simple – pork!
As a mom, it is important each meal prepared is delicious as well as a healthy option for your family. Not only is pork a delicious dinner option, but it is also EXTREMELY nutritious. Pork has nutrients that are essential for our body and health.
Key Nutrients in Pork
- Iron: aids in growth development and carries oxygen to red blood cells. (Heme iron, which is found in meat, is more readily absorbed than iron that is found in plants)
- Magnesium: helps strengthen bones and generates new cellsPotassium: an electrolyte that helps maintain water balance and normal blood pressure
- Zinc: Key player in energy metabolism and boosts the immune system
Thiamin: aids in converting nutrients into energy – pork is a top source of thiamin
To go along with all these nutrients, pork is also packed with protein. Our bodies need sufficient levels of protein to help repair and generate new cells to keep us healthy. In just a 3-ounce serving of pork, there are 22-24 grams of protein – that’s comparable to 6 tablespoons of peanut butter which has 8 times as much fat, and 3 times as many calories! Pork is also exceptionally low in carbohydrates.
Pork is a Versatile Protein
If the nutritional overload did not have you convinced that pork is an excellent option for dinner, the endless ways that it can be served will have you persuaded.
Pork is known for being very versatile in the ways it can be prepared. Pork can be cooked in the air fryer, on the grill, in a pressure cooker, and many other ways.
This Sausage & Potato Foil Packet recipe is great for summer nights and something the whole family will enjoy.
Check out this quick, easy, and tasty pork recipe here!
It is also important to remember portion control is key – even with healthy foods. Making sure diets are well-rounded with fruits, grains, vegetables, protein, and dairy is vital to a healthy diet.
So, the next time you can’t make up your mind what to make for dinner, choose pork. The nutritional benefits and flavorful tastes will not let anyone in the family down!
Connect with Iowa Pork Producers Association
