Nutriciologist names a fatty food that promotes weight loss

Nutritionist, health coach, health consultant, ZHOL consultant

“Lard can be safely called a superfood. Many people believe that it should not be included in the diet of those who follow a healthy diet. In fact, this is not true. The product is not only a delicious delicacy, but also a valuable source of nutrients that promote health”.

Composition of lard

The basis of the product is animal fat and nothing else. There is a product where there are veins of meat, but even here the whole mass is just fat.

This product contains fat-soluble vitamins A, E and D, as well as various minerals, including iron, iodine, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, selenium, zinc. Many also call the product an antidepressant because it contains B vitamins.

Useful properties of lard

Vitamin D helps in the production and regulation of hormone levels, which is important for the reproductive system. It is also important for bone health and has a preventive effect against cancer, type II diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

Although there is an opinion that any fat leads to the formation of plaques, lard is good for the cardiovascular system. However, we are talking about hard, raw, salted lard, not in fried form.

The product also contains linoleic acid, which prevents the appearance of cholesterol deposits on the walls of blood vessels, makes them more elastic and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis (chronic focal lesions of the arteries).

For health, lard is beneficial because it is rich in vitamins and minerals that help strengthen the immune system. It contains arachidonic acid, which helps the body fight viruses and bacteria. Polyunsaturated fatty acids also take part in the formation of various components of the immune system. Therefore, this product is recommended during cold and flu season as it can reduce the chances of acute respiratory diseases.

Here are a few more benefits of the product:

1. Arachidonic acid in the composition of lard is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. They help regulate the lumen of blood vessels and blood coagulation.
2. Fat-soluble vitamins such as A, E and D, which are contained in lard, directly affect the quality of skin and hair. The product is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which helps to improve their condition.
3. Lard can be consumed by girls on the first day of the cycle, when the desire to eat sweets is aggravated. In such a period, it will be an excellent antidepressant.
4. Fatty product, perfectly saturating the body in the cold season, gives a lot of energy. In lard – high protein content, helps to build muscle mass faster.
5. It is a source of natural collagen, a building material necessary for healthy bones, skin, hair and nails.
6. Selenium in the composition has antioxidant properties, which slows down the aging process. This trace element is especially useful for men, as it provides good potency and high quality seminal fluid. It has a positive effect on the prostate gland, which increases libido.

Contraindications

Lard should not be eaten by those who have various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute phase. Among them: pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis and gastritis, colitis. Also, the product is not recommended for patients with liver and kidney diseases.

In the presence of serious diseases of the cardiovascular system and hepatitis, it is worth excluding it from the diet. Fatty food can provoke an exacerbation of chronic diseases.

In most cases, the diet does not exclude the use of all fats. However, if you have recently suffered a heart attack or stroke, it is worth consulting with your doctor before consumption.

With chronic constipation, it is worth refusing this product, since it has a high content of unsaturated fats.

Daily allowance of lard per day

The allowed amount of lard is 20-30 grams per day.

It is not recommended to subject the product to strong heat treatment, since frying produces harmful carcinogens. The process is irreversible even with vegetable fats. The best option is lightly salted lard.

It is important to note that you should not eat lard in the evening, and it is better to focus on the intake in the first half of the day. You can also consume it in the morning on an empty stomach to improve the work of the gallbladder.

Many people ask the question, with what products can be consumed lard? If you do not have any contraindications, then you can combine with potatoes, whole-grain bread and vegetables. It is allowed to add greens (onion or dill).

How to choose and store lard?

Before buying lard, it is necessary to carefully study the product. First of all, pay attention to its color. If it is of good quality, then the shade will be light, white or delicate pink. On expired or spoiled goods will indicate yellow, red and gray colors. The skin should be light-colored and without bristles.

Also study the thickness of the fat, choose one that is from 3 to 6 cm. If it is larger, it means that the product will be very tough.

Pay attention to the odor of the product. To do this, ask to cut off a piece, warm it in your hands and bring it to your nose. If you feel a sour or unpleasant aroma, then the product is spoiled.

Lard should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 0 to +4 degrees. It is not recommended to keep it in the freezer, since after freezing it loses its structure and flavor.

It is important to properly package the product. For this, impermeable paper is suitable. It will prevent air from getting inside. As a result, freshness will be preserved. It is not worth leaving near other products. Otherwise, all smells and tastes will mix.

How to salt lard?

There are several ways of salting lard. Here are the most popular ones.

Wet salted lard

Ingredients:

• lard – 1 kg;
• garlic – 10 cloves;
• coarse salt – 3 tbsp;
• bay leaf – 3 pcs;
• pepper – to taste.

Preparation:

1. In a saucepan, boil water, add salt, bay leaf and pepper. Remove from heat and cool to 60 degrees.
2. Place the lard in the pot skin side up, add five garlic cloves, previously cut in half.
3. Place a heavy weight on top and keep at room temperature for three days.
4. Then blot the lard with a paper towel. Make incisions every 5 cm, insert fresh garlic inside.
5. Cover with food film and store in the refrigerator for two days.

Dry salted lard

Ingredients:

• lard – 1 kg;
• salt – 1 kg.

Preparation:

1. Coat the lard with salt and put it in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
2. Then rinse it under running water, blot it with a paper towel and wrap it in paper. Keep it in the refrigerator for five days.
3. After that, leave the lard at a cool room temperature for a few more days.