Pork and Swine Flu

Can you get swine flu from eating pork? The experts are saying a resounding, "NO!"

Swine flu (or H1N1 flu) is transmitted similar to any other flu. You can get it from being in contact with the saliva or mucus of someone infected. Wash your hands often and avoid contact with someone who appears to be sick with a cold or otherwise. Symptoms of H1N1 flu are like regular flu symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.

Why "Swine" Flu?
Researchers think the H1N1 flu may have originated with a flu that was transmitted among pigs. For example, I would not kiss or lick a pig as this cute little girl is doing. Humans picked it up and started spreading it from one person to another.

Should I Eat Pork?
If you enjoy pork there is no reason to avoid it right now. Just make sure you cook it to an internal temperature of 160 degrees to keep it safe. Check out this chart to show you how to cook different types of pork to keep it safe.

Here are some benefits of pork:

• Pork is a good value when you compare it pound for pound to other meats in the meat case
• There are numerous lean cuts to choose from
• Grilling season is starting and lean pork is a great choice for the grill
• A 3-ounce serving of pork tenderloin is an “excellent” source of protein, thiamin, vitamin B6, phosphorus and niacin and a “good” source of riboflavin, potassium and zinc
• According to a study published earlier this year in the journal Obesity, including protein from lean sources of pork in your diet could help you retain more lean body mass, including muscle, while losing weight.

Check out these healthy pork recipes!
Also check out factsaboutpork.com

Permalink | Email Post