Tag: Pasture raised pork

According to scientific literature, pork from conventionally-raised pigs typically has a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, making it a poor source of omega-3 fatty acids. This reveals that a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer to whether pork has omega-3 or omega-6 is misleading, as both types of polyunsaturated fatty acids are present, but their proportions are not equal.

Recent studies have shown that what a pig eats has a direct impact on the fatty acid profile of its meat, challenging the common perception that pork lacks healthy fats. This raises the critical question: is omega-3 in pork, and if so, how much?

According to a 2025 review, some uncured bacon products can have higher nitrite levels than their traditionally cured counterparts, challenging the common health perception. Understanding what is the cleanest bacon to eat requires a closer look at the processing methods and the farming practices that impact bacon quality.

Studies have shown that pasture-raised pork can contain up to three times the amount of omega-3s compared to factory-farmed counterparts. This significant nutritional difference is just one reason why many are asking: is pasture raised pork healthy? This article explores the numerous health and ethical benefits that set it apart from conventional pork.

According to research conducted by the Weston A. Price Foundation, a single tablespoon of lard from pasture-raised pigs can contain up to 1,100 IU of Vitamin D, making it a surprisingly nutrient-dense cooking fat. Selecting the healthiest lard to buy involves looking beyond the standard grocery store block and considering the source, rendering process, and type of fat.

According to the World Health Organization, processed meats like bacon are classified as carcinogenic, with daily consumption linked to increased health risks. When questioning what is the healthiest bacon to get, it becomes clear there is no single answer, but rather a spectrum of better choices based on cut, curing process, and portion control.

A 2017 study from the Universidad de las Américas Puebla in Mexico found that pork tacos al pastor can be healthier in some respects than certain granola bars. This surprising finding highlights the importance of understanding specific preparation methods and sourcing when considering the healthfulness of "pastor meat."

According to a 2015 review in the *Journal of Clinical Medicine*, conventionally farmed pork is a relatively poor source of omega-3 fatty acids due to typical grain-based feeding practices. This raises a common question: Do pork have omega-3 at all, and can these levels be improved?

While the label "grass-fed" is a common and meaningful descriptor for beef, many consumers are surprised to learn it does not apply to pork. This is because, unlike cattle which are ruminants, pigs are omnivores with a fundamentally different digestive system and nutritional needs. The key to understanding pork production lies not in the "grass-fed" label, but in the practices behind "pasture-raised" pork.

While most know bacon is high in fat, the type of fat is often misunderstood. So, **is bacon high in PUFA**? The answer is nuanced and largely depends on how the pigs were raised and what they were fed, directly influencing the fat's polyunsaturated content.