Ground Pork

Here is a breakdown of ground pork and how it can benefit or hinder athletic performance

6/29/20252 min read

brown food on white ceramic bowl
brown food on white ceramic bowl
Description

Ground pork is commonly served at around 5oz in restaurants and is served in many types of cuisines such as Mexican, Chinese, Thai, American, and European. It is also cooked fairly quickly which can help those who are pressed for time. Ground pork is a complete protein and has some useful nutrients for athletes such as selenium and B vitamins. However, it is also high in saturated fats which can negatively impact athletic performance.

Athletic Benefits
Improve Focus and Reflexes

Pork contains a good amount of Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) which is needed to create neurotransmitters which then can optimize and improve reflexes needed in combat sports. Selenium is essential for thyroid function which plays a crucial role in brain function. Thus, can minimize brain fog. This can be very useful during sparring sessions and even in competition.

Increased Energy Levels and Higher Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

Better thyroid function increases BMR which burns food for energy and is great for shedding weight for athletes looking to lose weight for pre-fight weigh-ins. Thiamin is also essential for generating ATP which raises energy levels and stores extra energy for endurance training.

Athletic Disadvantages
High in Saturated Fats

Pork is high in saturated fats. Consuming high fat levels can upset the stomach and negatively affecting training. Consuming ground pork right before training is not recommended. Saturated fats can hinder endurance because it can raise blood pressure; thus, limiting the amount of oxygen going to muscles. Draining excess fat from ground pork such as oils can help lower fat levels.

Recommended Food Combinations

Combining cooked beans with pork would be an excellent way to balance out pork's high fat content. Beans are high in fiber which can counteract effects from high saturated fat and they are high in protein. Other high-fiber foods are whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta or green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and bok choy. Consuming ground pork with high-fiber foods can balance out pork’s high-fat content while enjoying pork’s high selenium and vitamin B1 benefits.

Nutrition Value - 5oz Ground Pork

  • Calories – 336.8

  • Total Carbs – 0g

  • Protein – 29.1g

  • Total Fats – 23.6g

  • Fiber – 0g

  • Vitamin B1 – 0.8mg

  • Selenium – 40.1mcg

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