Iberian ham is one of the most emblematic gourmet products of Spanish gastronomy. But not only is it so popular for its unique flavor and juicy texture, it also stands out for its nutritional benefits.
At César Nieto we are experts in all meat products and have a wide range of hams, we focus on producing traditional Spanish gastronomy products of superior quality! Read on for information about the nutritional benefits of Iberian ham.
Nutritional benefits of Iberian ham: Iberian ham is rich in healthy fats
Contrary to common belief, there are several studies that have concluded that, if consumed in moderation, Iberian ham does not contribute to weight gain. In fact, Iberian ham contains a high percentage of healthy fats, which are necessary for our body to function properly.
Acorn-fed Iberian ham in particular is low in saturated fats and high in unsaturated fats. Thanks to the natural feeding of acorn-fed pigs, it has a high oleic acid content. The consumption of these monounsaturated fatty acids is beneficial for the heart, improves blood pressure and helps to improve cardiovascular health in general. It also helps the body increase levels of ‘good’ cholesterol while reducing levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL).
Nutritional benefits of Iberian ham: Iberian ham is an excellent source of protein
Both acorn-fed Iberian ham and cebo field ham are a good source of complete proteins. The average values are about 30 grams of protein per 100 grams of ham. This can be considered a very high amount, especially considering that the recommended daily amount of protein is about 60 grams.
But, what is protein for? Protein is a very important macronutrient for the maintenance and development of the human body. Among other things, they are essential for the formation and repair of tissues and muscle mass, as well as the production of hormones and enzymes. Ham is not only an excellent option for including them in your diet, but they are also usually very high quality proteins.
Nutritional benefits of Iberian ham: Iberian ham provides vitamins and minerals
In addition to providing protein and healthy fats, Iberian ham is a source of essential vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamins B1, B6, B12 and folic acid, which are essential for proper brain function. In addition, B vitamins are very important for energy metabolism and nerve function.
Likewise, Iberian ham contains vitamin E, an important antioxidant for the immune system. In terms of minerals, it provides calcium, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium. These minerals have different functions and are important for the immune system, blood, bone maintenance and nervous system function.
Including sufficient vitamins in the diet is not only beneficial to health, but is essential for maintaining the functions of the human body. A deficiency of B vitamins can lead to a number of health problems, including fatigue, lack of energy, anemia, digestive problems and weakness.
Nutritional benefits of Iberian ham: Iberian ham can benefit mental health
Iberian ham may not only contribute to emotional well-being because of the enormous enjoyment it produces when consumed, but also because of one of its ingredients. It has very high levels of tryptophan, which is an amino acid precursor of serotonin, the happiness hormone.
In other words, thanks to tryptophan, Iberian ham can have positive effects on mood, acting as a ‘natural antidepressant’. But there is more: tryptophan not only makes us feel better, but also benefits our sleep.
Nutritional benefits of Iberian ham: Iberian ham is low in carbohydrates
As we have already mentioned, although ham is rich in fat, this does not mean that it is not suitable for a weight loss diet. Especially in the case of acorn-fed Iberian ham, these are healthy fats that are not fattening when consumed in moderation.
In addition, due to its preparation and curing process, carbohydrates in Iberian ham are practically non-existent. On average, it contains only 1.3 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams. Consequently, Iberian ham is an ideal choice for all those who follow weight loss diets or wish to control their carbohydrate intake.
Enjoy the health benefits of Iberian ham with César Nieto products!
In summary, Iberian ham has an excellent nutritional profile and has several health benefits. It helps lower cholesterol levels, improves cardiovascular health, strengthens the immune system, can benefit mental health and is suitable for a weight loss diet.
At César Nieto we not only provide you with nutritional information about Iberian ham, but we also offer a wide range of top quality hams. Our pigs are fed naturally and raised in the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos in optimal animal welfare conditions. Visit our website and discover our selection of meat products!
