Iberian ham was promoted as a “healthy, sustainable and pleasurable” option within a balanced Mediterranean diet. Its mineral content, such as iron, helps combat anemia, while zinc and potassium, also present in it, reinforce the immune system and improve muscle function.
Iberian ham is a ‘superfood’ for athletes due to its unique nutritional profile, whose consumption has been associated with reducing muscle inflammation, accelerating post-workout regeneration and increasing lean muscle mass.
The teacher pointed out that the ham is a product with high quality proteins which are fundamental for the repair and construction of tissues.
Doctors also pointed out that monounsaturated fats and oleic acid present in the ham contribute to a “healthier” lipid profile, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The richness in B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12) makes Iberian ham an ally for the nervous system and metabolism.
Its content in minerals, such as iron, helps combat anemia, while zinc and potassium, also present in it, reinforce the system immunityo e improve muscle function.
Iberian ham has a higher nutritional profile than other cured meats
Scientists also highlighted the presence of essential amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine and valine, which promote muscle mass synthesis and prevent catabolism, glutamine and tryptophan, which contribute to the and for concentration during training and arginine, which enhances vasodilation and improves cardiovascular resistance.
Subsequently, both teachers said that the Iberian ham has a nutritional profile superior to other cured meats, which may contain high levels of saturated and additive fats.
In addition, the natural process of healing of Iberian ham ensures the preservation of its essential nutrients, while some healed meats processed may lose nutritional value during production.
“Healthy, sustainable and pleasurable” option
At the event, the Iberian ham was also promoted as a “Healthy, sustainable and pleasurable” option within a balanced Mediterranean diet.
It was also pointed out that the genomic overlap between humans and Iberian pig is 93%, reinforcing the “High nutritional compatibility” Between this food and its use as a biomedical model validated in applied investigation.
Eat Iberian ham with what?
For scientists Iberian ham can be included in avocado toasts for a breakfast rich in protein and healthy fats, in salads, thin straps to flavor and nutrients, or combined with dry fruits such as melons or figs, for healthy tapas.
It can also be used as an ingredient in quiches, cauliflower pizzas or wrapped in chicken breasts for main protein rich dishes.
