The success of Pata Negra ham in Spain and around the world is mainly due to its intense flavor and the pleasure it gives when eating it. It should not be forgotten, however, that Pata Negra ham has excellent nutritional properties that make it a very healthy product, to the point that nutritionists recommend it as the ideal complement to a complete and balanced diet.
The incredible nutritional properties of Iberian ham
First of all, it is important to know that not all hams have the same nutritional properties. Since Iberian pigs are grazed and feed on acorns, roots and natural grasses, the nutritional value of Pata Negra ham is very different from that of Serrano ham from white pigs.
Pata Negra ham is particularly rich in proteins and fats, as well as minerals and vitamins B and E.
Rich in protein and fatty acids
Pata negra ham contains more amino acids per gram than other hams. In addition, the aging they undergo facilitates the digestion of the ham. This is very important because the absorption of nutrients in our human organism is many times higher.
Pata Negra ham contains a higher content of unsaturated fatty acids and a lower proportion of saturated fatty acids. This is one of the reasons why Pata Negra ham increases good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers bad cholesterol (LDL). For these reasons, in recent years nutritionists have included Iberian ham in the Mediterranean diet, classified as an Intangible World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The ‘montanera’ also affects the nutritional properties of Pata Negra ham , as it contains a large amount of vitamin E from eating acorns from pigs. This is very important as this vitamin intervenes in the curing and oxidation process of the ham, resulting in a less salty meat. In addition to these properties, Pata Negra ham also has a high content of minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron and vitamins B1 and B12.
Pata Negra ham, a very useful food for our Health
The above factors allow the conclusion that the nutritional properties of Pata Negra ham are ideal for maintaining a healthy and balanced diet and that it offers benefits in certain cases .
Its high protein content makes it a very suitable food for building muscle during the growth phase. Due to its high vitamin B content, it is also recommended for dealing with depression and stress, as well as for convalescence after illness or surgery. Finally, due to its easy digestibility, it is also a very suitable food for people with stomach problems.
