Surprised by research on elderly people eating pork

Pork is not often recommended for a healthy diet. However, new research published in the scientific journal Nutrients has found something surprising about one of the most popular and beloved meats.

Accordingly, scientists have emphasized the role of pork consumption in muscle health and diet in the elderly - a population group that has difficulty meeting daily protein and micronutrient needs.

The study was conducted by scientists from Gachon University in South Korea, in collaboration with experts at Tufts University and US health organizations such as Think Healthy Group, LLC and other leading organizations.

Scientists have highlighted the role of pork consumption in muscle health and diet in older adults.

The authors used data from 2,068 Koreans aged 65 and older, comparing dietary habits and health indicators between pork consumers and non-pork consumers.

Results showed that pork consumption had a positive effect on nutrient intake, diet quality, and handgrip strength — an indicator of overall muscle strength — in older adults, according to News Medical.

Specifically, consuming pork brings the following benefits:

• Increase your intake of energy and nutrients like protein, iron and B vitamins.
• Improved diet quality scores, in part due to significant increases in daily vegetable intake.
• Increased grip strength - an indicator of overall muscle strength and muscle atrophy in older adults.

Lead author Dr Hae-Jeung Lee, a professor at Gachon University, stressed: “Older adults are particularly vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies that can affect their mobility and quality of life. This study demonstrates the role of pork as part of a balanced diet to help older adults meet their nutritional needs and maintain muscle strength.”

The authors suggest that pork consumption may indirectly influence diet quality by acting as a “carrier food,” promoting greater consumption of other healthy ingredients, such as vegetables. This is the third study to confirm the role of pork as a “carrier food” in the global diet.

Pork consumption improves diet quality scores, partly due to significant increases in daily vegetable intake

Secret to improve health for the elderly with nutritious pork

Co-author Taylor C. Wallace, PhD, CEO of Think Healthy Group, LLC and visiting professor at George Washington University and Tufts University (USA), notes that South Korea's approach to pork consumption offers valuable insights for other countries aiming to improve the health of older adults.

In Korea, pork is often consumed as fresh lean meat rather than processed meat, and is traditionally paired with a variety of nutrient-rich vegetables, he explained. This balance not only enhances the quality of the diet but also provides essential nutrients that older adults may lack, such as protein, iron, and certain important vitamins.

Incorporating lean pork into a balanced diet can address common nutritional deficiencies in older adults while supporting muscle health and promoting healthier aging globally, explains Dr. Wallace.

The authors call for further studies to confirm the benefits of pork consumption in different diets, according to News Medical.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phat-hien-dieu-ky-dieu-khi-nguoi-lon-tuoi-an-thit-heo-185250116162153781.htm