Even in ancient Rome they were engaged in the preparation of this delicacy. In fact, ham is smoked or salted pork ham. But at the present time on the market you can find a huge variety of ham from completely different types of meat. Why is she so popular? How to choose ham so that it is not only tasty, but also healthy for the body? Is there any ham whose caloric content would not scare those who follow their figure with their large numbers? Today we will understand these issues.
Production technology
Ham is distinguished not only by the types of meat from which it is made, but also by the production technology itself. Each country has its own variety of ham, which is considered the most delicious and popular among buyers.
For example, in Germany it will be the Black Forest ham. It is a piece of dry meat that has been specially smoked on spruce branches. In France, on the contrary, they prefer not to smoke meat, but to dry salted meat in the air. Unusual is Filipino ham. The calorie content per 100 grams will be an order of magnitude greater than that of the previous ones, since it is soaked and soaked in a special sweet broth.
The most useful for losing weight ladies will be French ham (calorie content - 158-170 kcal per hundred grams of the product), because it is produced exclusively from lean lean meat.
At every point in the world, various types of meat are also used for production. In Germany, for example, these are young piglets, fed on a specially designed menu for them. In Portugal, only small black pigs are used to make this meat treat. If we talk about our country, it was in the Soviet Union that a raw-smoked and cooked-smoked version of ham was invented.
Composition and calorie content of ham
Gourmets, nutritionists and connoisseurs of culinary art agree on one thing - ham is the standard of gastronomy. Ideal pork ham: calorie content - 278 kcal and contains only meat and salt. Unscrupulous manufacturers, of course, today add various preservatives, flavor enhancers and other ingredients completely unnecessary to this product. If you do not know how to choose ham, just read the composition. Here you can definitely understand that in front of you is a useful meat treat or a unhealthy substitute.
The nutritional value
It is impossible not to note the nutritional value of this product. In addition to the fact that ham contains a large amount of protein, healthy fats, it also has a rich vitamin composition. Ham contains: vitamins B 2 , B 12 , B 6 , B 9 , B 1 , D, E. Ham is also rich in minerals: zinc, iron, sodium, copper, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, manganese. If you eat only one hundred grams of quality ham, then unsaturated and saturated fatty acids will also enter the body.
Pork ham
Now let's talk about the different types of ham, their composition and calories. The most popular among buyers, as we have said, is pork ham. Calorie content per 100 grams is 275-278 kcal.
Beef ham
Ham made from beef is no less popular. She takes the second place in calories - 158 kcal per hundred grams. Experts advise to necessarily study the composition on the label. Some producers manage to put cheaper and low-quality meat in beef ham.
Chicken ham
Ham made from lean and diet chicken is in great demand today. Chicken ham, whose calorie content is only 150 kcal per hundred grams, is a favorite delicacy of all losing weight. But if you are careful about your health and really want to eat right, then, again, look at the composition. It is important that the ham does not contain anything other than chicken and salt. No spices or other additives are needed. Ham and without them is deliciously delicious.
Turkey Ham
Turkey ham , whose calorie content is only 84 kcal per hundred grams of product, is just the perfect dish for those who monitor their nutrition and maintain weight. Turkey meat, as you know, is not only considered low-calorie and dietary, but also contains a huge amount of nutrients in its composition. The meat of this bird contains vitamins of group B, PP, D, E, A. It contains almost all the mineral components necessary and useful for our body: zinc, copper, calcium, potassium, iron, sulfur, phosphorus, sodium, etc. .
Turkey ham is a useful product for those who suffer from diseases of the blood or cardiovascular system. There is so much sodium in its composition that it bypasses even veal in this indicator. But it is sodium that helps to fight blood diseases, reduces the load on the heart muscle, and is involved in the normalization of metabolic processes and strengthening immunity.
Low-fat dietary ham (chicken or turkey meat) is a product that can be used by infants and nursing mothers, pregnant women, and people who have undergone severe surgery. Fat-free ham, the calorie content of which does not frighten losing weight, has no contraindications to eating.
The most high-calorie ham
Not every ham can be called a dietary product. For example, the caloric content of Danish pork ham in jelly is about 476 kcal per hundred grams of product. The composition of such dishes includes not only meat and salt, but also gelatin, granulated sugar, water and some additives.
Ham of such a plan is sold, most often packed in cans. When you open it, you will always see a layer of jelly-like fat that covers the meat. Of course, this is a very convenient option when preparing snacks, sandwiches and sandwiches, salads and rolls. However, do not forget about the high calorie content of the product.
Reduce calories with ham
In conclusion, I would like to share some options for dishes, the main ingredient in which is ham.
Do you like Olivier New Year’s salad, but don’t even allow yourself a spoon because of its high calorie content? Try replacing fat boiled sausage with bacon with turkey diet ham. Already obtained a lower-calorie dish that can even enjoy losing weight.
Denying your favorite pizza? We replace raw smoked sausage “Salami” with low-calorie chicken ham, add fresh champignons and tomatoes, sprinkle with cheese. An option for a more diet pizza is ready.
Do you think that all vegetable salads are tasteless and fresh? Try to cook this option: turkey ham, one sweet pepper, Peking cabbage or leaf lettuce, fresh cucumber and olive oil as a dressing. It turns out that losing weight is easy.