There’s no denying that pork is delicious and many people enjoy it. However, you might want to think twice before buying those pork sausages or ordering pork chops at the restaurant. There’s so much controversy surrounding eating pork. For some, it’s taboo because their religious beliefs prohibit it. For others, they avoid eating pork because of health concerns. Eating pork can be dangerous because pigs are scavengers and can absorb a lot of toxins from their diet. If it’s not prepared well or if you eat pork regularly, it can be harmful to your health. Here are some dangers of eating pork.
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Hepatitis E
Pigs are susceptible to zoonotic Hepatitis E which can be transmitted to humans when you eat the kidneys, liver and heart of an infected pig. According to research, about 1 out of every 10 store-bought pig livers test positive for hepatitis E in the US. This virus can cause inflammation, swelling of the liver and liver failure. Hepatitis E symptoms don’t appear easily which makes it riskier to develop complications, especially for vulnerable people such as pregnant women, organ recipients and people with HIV. The best way to reduce the risk of getting Hepatitis E from eating pork is to cook it at a high temperature of about 70 degrees for at least 20 minutes. Early Signs And Symptoms Of Liver Disease Or Problems
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Parasites
Eating any meat that hasn’t been handled and prepared well can lead to parasitic infections. However, pork is particularly notorious for carrying intestinal parasites like tapeworms and roundworms. A tapeworm infection can be harmless and easily treated with over-the-counter drugs. However, it can lead to epilepsy and muscle damage in extreme cases. An infection of parasitic roundworms called Trichinella is more dangerous and can be fatal in older adults. Tapeworms: Causes, Types, Symptoms And Treatment
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Bladder Cancer
You might think that preparing pork in very high temperatures makes it safe for consumption but you’re still at risk of getting sick. People who consume well-done or burnt pork frequently are at a risk of developing bladder cancer especially if you’re genetically susceptible to the risk. According to research, it can create heterocyclic amines which is a carcinogenic chemical formed from the cooking of muscle meats when cooked at high temperatures. The Early Morning Signs Of Cancer
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Heart Disease
Pork fat can be a good source of B Vitamins and other minerals but it can also be harmful to your health. It can cause your bad cholesterol levels to rise, clogging your arteries and leading to heart problems. The amount of fat in pork depends on the parts. The belly, shoulder and ribs are considered the fattiest cuts while the tenderloin is considered the leanest cut. Other products like bacon, sausages and ham and also high in saturated fats since they are made from fatty cuts. To avoid increasing the risk of heart disease, try to reduce your pork intake. Different Types Of Heart Disease And Managing Them
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Salmonella
Eating raw or undercooked pork is never a good idea. It’s crucial to cook it at the right temperature to avoid the risk of developing serious health issues such as Salmonellosis which is an illness caused by infection with Salmonella. Pork is a major source of food-borne salmonellosis. This disease can cause severe diarrhoea, fever, chills, vomiting and abdominal pains. The contamination mainly occurs at slaughterhouses or packing plants when the meat. Make sure you get your meat from trusted vendors and prepare it well to kill the bacteria.
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Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is a neurological condition that causes the body’s immune system to attack the protective covering of nerve cells. It can lead to vision problems, difficulty in walking, memory loss and sexual difficulties. Though the causes are still unknown, some experts suggest that an increased intake of pork can increase the risk of developing MS. This may be due to the high intake of saturated fat that can cause a deficiency of essential fatty acids.
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