Qualities of Iberian ham

In this post we are going to talk about the qualities of Iberian ham because, as we have repeated on different occasions, Iberian ham is part of the Mediterranean diet and Spanish gastronomy.

Although the Mediterranean diet is quite healthy and full of nutrient-rich foods such as fish, fruits or vegetables, Iberian ham is undoubtedly the star of this diet. In addition, we can’t forget other byproducts from pork (chorizo, caña de lomo or salchichón) and other foods such as cheese or olive oil.

Iberian ham is a product that gives us many vitamins and minerals, as well as being low in calories. We can’t forget that it is a protein-rich food because more than 50 % of the product is protein.

It also contains fats that are mostly present in marbling. Nevertheless, these types of fats are very similar to those of olive oil. This is also a healthy food, since they are unsaturated fats. These types of fats, unlike saturated fats, are healthy and provide us energy.
Likewise, it is important that we do not forget that Iberian ham is a natural product, since it is free of dyes, preservatives or any other chemical product thanks to the traditional way in which the healing process is carried out.

When should we eat Iberian ham?

In the previous posts, we already mentioned some recipes with Iberian ham to learn how to cook this product to fill our dishes with its flavor.
The Iberian ham is perfect to enjoy it for breakfast. You can eat it with a toast with olive oil and tomato from de Mediterranean diet, since the ham along with the tomato doubles its effects. In addition, this breakfast is quite complete. It contains carbohydrates from the bread, protein from the ham, healthy fats from the olive oil and vitamins from the tomato, so we will be providing our body with all the necessary energy.

However, everyone can eat Iberian ham at any time of the day, at lunch, snacks or dinner. No matter when you take it, it will always be a good option.

Qualities and nutritional values

Iberian ham can help us lower our cholesterol levels. It is high in oleic acid and helps us control cholesterol, both good and bad. In addition, it is also calcium-rich food, which will help us keep our bones strong and healthy. It is also iron-rich food, which will help us prevent anemia. It contains group B vitamins such as vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12, as well as folic acid.
If you eat 100 grams of Iberian ham you will be consuming approximately:

Proteins: 57.5 gr

Fats: 14.5 gr

Carbohydrates: 0 gr

Sugars: 0 gr

Calories: 242 kcal

Sodium: 2695 mg

Potassium: 510 mg

Therefore, considering the qualities of Iberian ham and its exquisite flavor, you know that it is a good option to enjoy any meal in a healthy way.