‘World’s healthiest meat’ that is ‘extra nutritious’ than some fruit and greens

We all know fruit and vegetables are full of nutrients that are good for us – but there’s one animal product that’s been ranked as more nutritious than many of them

We’re all aware that eating fruits and vegetables is recommended because of their nutritional benefits. However, there’s one animal product that has been rated as more healthy than a lot of green foods.

In a ranking of 100 of the globe’s most nutritious foods, pork fat clinched the eighth spot for its nutritional value. With a nutritional score of 73 out of a possible 100, pork fat, better known as lard, outperformed 92 other foods, including peas, red cabbage, tomatoes, mackerel, lettuce, oranges and sweet potato.

BBC Future reports that pork fat is a rich source of B vitamins and minerals. It also boasts more unsaturated fats, making it healthier than lamb or beef fat.

Lard contains monounsaturated fats like oleic acid – also present in olive oil – which are beneficial for heart health. It also carries some saturated fats, which are acceptable in moderate quantities.

Moreover, it’s important to consider how the pigs were reared to fully harness the nutritional benefits. Lard offers fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin D, particularly if the pigs were raised outdoors, reports Surrey Live.

Furthermore, pasture-raised pork fat tends to be healthier due to superior nutrient content.

So, don’t always feel guilty when indulging in a bit of pork fat or lard. However, as with everything, moderation is key.

It’s intriguing to note that no other animal fat or meat made the list.

Surprisingly, several fish made the list, with Ocean Perch emerging as the healthiest fish to consume. It secured the third spot on a list of the most nutritious foods you can eat, scoring an impressive 89 out of 100.

According to Facts.net, 100g of this fish contains a mere 79 calories but packs in around 20 grams of protein. This deep-water fish, also known as rockfish, is low in saturated fats.

But its benefits extend beyond that. The fish is also renowned for:

• Vitamin B12, crucial for nerve health and red blood cell production
• Vitamin D, aiding calcium absorption and bone health
• Selenium, a powerful antioxidant
• Phosphorus, promoting healthy bones and energy metabolism

Top 20 healthiest foods

1. Almonds
2. Cherimoya
3. Ocean perch
4. Flatfish
5. Chia seeds
6. Pumpkin seeds
7. Swiss chard
8. Pork fat
9. Beet greens
10. Snapper
11. Dried parsley
12. Celery flakes
13. Watercress
14. Tangerines
15. Green peas
16. Pike
17. Alaska pollock
18. Green onion
19. Red cabbage
20. Pacific cod