Dietitian Vaida Kurpienė says that many people still evaluate meat based on beliefs formed many years ago, although modern nutrition recommendations allow for a much broader perspective on its choice.
Read more The sixth Klaipėda festival dedicated to Queen Louise begins in the port city
“It is often thought that pork is fattier than chicken and less favorable from a nutritional point of view. However, variety in the diet is important, as is the fact that when choosing meat, not only the type but also the specific part, fat content, and the overall diet of the person matter,” emphasizes V. Kurpienė.
This is also illustrated by specific numbers. For example, 100 g of lean pork tenderloin contains about 21–23 g of protein, only 3.5 g of fat, and about 65 mg of cholesterol. For comparison, chicken breast without skin has a very similar amount of both protein and cholesterol – approximately 21–23 g and 64 mg, respectively. According to V. Kurpienė, such comparisons show that it is the specific part of the meat, not the type, that should be evaluated.
Not only protein but the entire nutritional value is important
When talking about meat, the protein content is most often mentioned. However, this indicator alone does not allow for a comprehensive assessment of the product’s nutritional value.
“When evaluating meat, it is important to look at its entire nutritional composition. Proteins are very important, but vitamins, minerals, and an appropriate amount of fats are equally necessary for the body. Therefore, the protein count alone does not yet indicate which product will be more favorable for a particular person,” explains V. Kurpienė.
One of the most notable advantages of pork, according to the dietitian, is vitamin B1, also known as thiamine. Pork contains more of this vitamin than any other meat, although it is talked about much less than proteins or cholesterol. Vitamin B1 is important for normal nervous system function, energy metabolism, and helps reduce fatigue.
Pork is also a source of iron and other B vitamins. These nutrients are important for normal blood formation, energy metabolism, and overall well-being. To preserve these benefits, it is important not to fry in fats or overcook the meat. Lean pork is worth stewing, baking in the oven, or briefly frying without using a lot of additional fats – this way the meat remains juicy and there is no need to compensate for flavor with fatty sauces. Mustard, horseradish, or fresh vegetables go perfectly with it.
Not only attitudes towards nutrition are changing, but also consumer expectations
Buyers increasingly want the chosen product to be not only affordable but also nutritious, versatile, and suitable for different everyday dishes.
Lina Šetikienė, marketing manager of “BIOVELA Group,” notes that consumers are increasingly carefully evaluating the real benefit they get for the price paid.
“People look for products from which they can prepare various dishes and take care of the whole family. Pork is very versatile in this regard: different parts are suitable for frying, stewing, and baking in the oven. Nutritional value, wide usage, and currently especially favorable price give the consumer good everyday choice value,” notes L. Šetikienė.
Buyers are also increasingly interested in the product’s origin, animal rearing conditions, and quality control throughout the supply chain.
“We notice that people increasingly ask not only about the product price but also where it came from, how the animal was raised, and what quality standards are applied. Therefore, cooperating with Lithuanian farms, we implement clear control points and evaluation criteria to ensure high quality standards throughout the chain,” adds the company’s marketing manager.
The most important thing is to choose consciously
Summarizing, V. Kurpienė emphasizes that conscious choice begins with the ability to evaluate products based on their nutritional composition, the properties of the specific meat part, and the overall context of a person’s diet and health.
Read more Seoul leads the Asian stock market higher, traders rejoicing over US inflation data
