Bacon Nutrition Facts

Bacon: Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits You Need to Know

Bacon is an important food, which is identified by its crispy texture and fluid velvety taste. Whether you want it to be your first choice for breakfast or as an appealing deal for a sandwich, bacon makes every cuisine nice to taste. But have you ever thought about the nutrition and health benefits it brings? One option may be to increase the consumption of bacon. Here’s a deeper look at what bacon offers in terms of nutrition and how it might impact your health.

What is Bacon?

Bacon is a kind of the flesh part of the pork, which got its distinctive taste thanks to the salt curing it. It’s often smoked to add more aroma to it. Among the most loved foods in the world, there are differences in various countries in the way bacon is prepared. As in the US, bacon is preferred to be cut out of the belly of a pig, and thus it features high-fat content. Differentia (or is it necessary to distinguish them?) to this, in the UK and Canada, the bacon is taken from the back, and it is much leaner, so it is close to the breast meat in taste and texture.

Bacon Nutrition Facts

Once you understand bacon’s nutritional properties, you would have a clear idea of what is 3 slices, or 34.5 grams of bacon as nutritional information says:

• Calories: 161
• Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 579mg
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 12g

Carbs in Bacon

The basic idea behind bacon is the utilization of simple carbohydrates, which stand at 0.6g per serving only. Over 60% of bacon types are sugar-free, but some trademarks use sugar substitutes, like brown sugar or maple syrup, to make it more palatable.

Fat in Bacon

Bacon, and particularly saturated fat, contains a high percentage of fat. Although our bodies need fats, the Dietary Guidelines still recommend the consumption of less than 10% of your daily calories from this group of fats. Thus for a 2000-calorie diet, your daily intake should be 22 grams of saturated fat. Therefore, it is vital to limit the number of bacon slices to just one per day and to moderate your intake.

Yet, not all fats from bacon are undesirable. Actually, a great deal of it is good for your health because it consists of monounsaturated fats which is favorable for the heart, such as oleic acid which is also present in olive oil.

Protein in Bacon

Bacon is a decent source of protein, the value being 12 grams per serving. Besides, it is protein that acts as a building block and maintains the repair of the tissues. Also, it is the key substance in the function of the muscles and enzymes. Thus, by consuming 46-56 grams of protein daily, one can somewhat diversify his diet by including bacon in it.

Vitamins and Minerals in Bacon

Bacon includes a list of essential vitamins and minerals:

• B Vitamins: Bacon playes a succouring role in supplying you with all your B vitamins, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12. Good to know, these nutrients are fundamentally involved in the metabolism of energy and the regular function of the nervous system.
• Selenium: One serving of bacon carries 17 micrograms of selenium, which is around one-third of the daily livelihood intake. Selenium is a mineral which works like the thyroid and it also ensures that your body is being protected from the damage of oxidation.
• Phosphorus: One slice of bacon contains 134 milligrams of phosphorus, placing it among the foodstuffs that build bones and teeth. Moreover, it is known as a vital factor in the manufacturing of energy from food.

Potential Health Benefits of Bacon

• Boosts Energy: Through its high amount of protein and B vitamins bacon, therefore, can give you more power. B vitamins are particularly essential for the operation of the brain and the process of energy production.
• Supports Vitamin D Absorption: Fat is typically indispensable for the fast absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, for example, vitamin D. According to research, the assumption that foods are high in fat will help people to absorb vitamin D very efficiently.
• Satiety and Weight Management: The bacon protein and fat can help you to stay full much longer, so you won't feel like eating snacks. It can help someone to feel full and prevent them from overeating during the entire day with the help of a little of it.

Things to Keep in Mind

• High Sodium Content: The high sodium is one of the minuses of bacon. One portion of the meal includes 579 milligrams of sodium, a big part of the daily recommended limit. It can result in hypertension, so it is better not eating a lot of it.
• Nitrates and Nitrites: Bacon is often treated with nitrates and nitrites to prevent the color and shelf life from deteriorating. The additives help to extend the shelf life of bacon, yet, they cause health problems when one eats them in considerable amounts. It is important to watch your total amount of processed meats in the diet.
• Allergies: Although it is not common, some people might be allergic to bacon, especially due to alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a tick-borne allergy to mammalian meat. There are different symptoms for an allergy ranging from mild to severe such as hives, stomach cramps, breathing difficulties, etc.

Different Types of Bacon

Bacon encompasses a variety of options for different tastes, flaunting unique flavors and compositions:

1. Pork Bacon: This is the traditional type and is usually derived from the belly of the pig. It has the least amount of lean pork, thus making it the most sinner of fat choice for this particular meat.

2. Canadian Bacon: This comes from the back side of the pig, a less fatty cut, thus providing protein.

3. Turkey Bacon: Although generally lower in fat than pork bacon, turkey bacon may be more processed and have higher sodium content.

4. Plant-Based Bacon: For the plant-based eaters out there, there is much variety made from soy, coconut, and all sorts of things; however, realize this might also mean the bacon is processed and possibly high in sodium.

How to Store and Cook Bacon

Refrigerate bacon for up to a week; freeze bacon for up to four months. There're several cooking methods: frying, baking, or air-frying. Squeeze out the grease with paper towels for less greasy bacon. Bacon is also best served with breakfast, salads, or even as a pizza topping.

Conclusion

Bacon contains several beneficial factors: it's high in protein, packed with vitamins, and filled with healthy fats. But always note that it is quite usually high in sodium and fat. At times of eating, bacon is very beneficial to season and enhance meals if consumed in moderation. Bacon has been and will always remain a guilty pleasure, ever more; when crisped into bits for stuffing on eggs in the morning or when smothered in savory goodness.