Is Serrano Ham Healthy?

We consume ham quite frequently in our diet due to its versatility, its simplicity, and its exquisite flavor, and it is one of the star products of Spanish gastronomy.

But have you ever wondered if Serrano ham is good for you?

Serrano ham is a spicy, smoked ham that has been dry-cured and air-dried. 

Because it’s a raw product, it doesn’t contain any preservatives. This type of meat is also naturally tender and contains high amounts of protein.

 Serrano ham may not be suitable for everyone. Those who are pregnant or sensitive to lactose should avoid it.

We will explain it to you in the article.

Serrano Ham Appearance

Iberian ham, or Serrano ham Which is Better?

What we understand about Serrano ham is the most important factor in determining whether or not it is healthy to eat Serrano ham.

The term “Serrano ham” is used to refer to any cured ham, without making a distinction between the different designations of origin.

There are important differences between Serrano ham and Iberian ham beyond the origin of the pig (white pig that can be found in other countries in the first case, and indigenous Iberian pig in the second), which can lead us to affirm that it is healthier to buy Iberian bait.

The Serrano ham is obtained from pigs that live in freedom and can be fed industrial feed, while the Iberian ham is obtained from pigs that live in freedom and can only be fed grass and acorn.

It is considered to be healthier if you consume organic vegetables or eggs instead of being raised on a factory farm.

Serrano ham and health

Serrano ham is prejudiced because popular wisdom says that it makes you fat because of its large amount of fat.

Serrano ham doesn’t have as much fat as other meats, because it has more or less 300 calories per 100 grams.

A portion of ham would contribute between 12% and 15% of the daily calories that we should consume according to the health specialists.

Serrano ham, like all processed red meat, increases cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular diseases, so some people think that it’s not healthy.

A recent study carried out by researchers from the UCAM Chair of Cardiovascular Risk has found that long-cured meats (such as Serrano ham) contain some peptides, which can increase blood pressure.

Serrano ham, as long as it is done moderately and in the context of a balanced diet accompanied by regular exercise can be beneficial.

Serrano Ham

Is it healthy to eat  Iberian ham and Serrano ham?

Contains High-Quality Proteins

Serrano ham provides 43 gr., which is one of the reasons why it is healthy to eat it. beef, chicken, and any other animal meat are included in the 100 gr. of high-quality nutrition.

Contains Amino Acids and Essential Vitamins

Serrano and Iberian ham provide the right amount and the exact proportion of essential amino acids that the body needs, such as tryptophan and vitamins B, D, and E, which are anti-aging.

Contains Iron and Other Minerals

Iberian ham provides 20% of the iron that should be consumed daily (3 to 4% per 100g of ham), the most present.

There are only dried lentils that give more iron. It also has zinc, magnesium, selenium, and calcium in it.

Iberian Ham Contains Healthy Fat

Oleic acid, which is present in the highest proportion (60 percent) of Iberian ham, helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels and increases the amount of good cholesterol in the body.

Olive oil is the only other food that has more oleic acid than ham.

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