Pork lard is a thick layer of subcutaneous fat, where various biologically active substances, fat-soluble vitamins, and antioxidants are accumulated and stored.
One of the most favorite products of Ukrainians contains vitamins A, E, D, and F, trace elements (selenium), and fatty acids (saturated and unsaturated).
What are the benefits of lard?
The most valuable of the acids contained in lard is arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid with a range of beneficial effects. It improves brain and heart muscle function has a beneficial effect on kidney function, and improves blood composition by removing excess cholesterol.
What is the harm of lard?
First of all, lard is a very high-calorie product: 100 grams contains about 800 kcal.
Excessive consumption of this product is a direct path to obesity and the development of atherosclerosis due to high cholesterol. Its use is recommended to be severely limited to those with vascular, heart, and digestive problems.
How to eat lard properly
Lard is best consumed in salted or pickled form. Also, if you fry or smoke it, it will not be beneficial to your health.
For people with normal health, the permissible daily dose of cholesterol is 300 mg, and for those who have had a heart attack – up to 200 mg. That is, consuming 30 g of lard per day will not only not raise cholesterol levels, but, on the contrary, will burn it, says nutritionist Natalia Samoilenko.