Does Pulled Pork Have A Lot of Cholesterol?

Pulled pork has become a popular barbecue staple across many parts of the United States. While delicious, some people may wonder if pulled pork is high in cholesterol and should be limited in a heart-healthy diet. This article examines if pulled pork has high cholesterol levels and provides tips on enjoying it as part of an overall balanced diet.

What is Pulled Pork?

Pulled pork is a barbecue preparation using pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt or pork butt. Pork shoulder is a larger fatty cut that contains high levels of connective tissue.

To make pulled pork, the pork shoulder is rubbed with spices and slowly cooked for hours at low heat, either roasted, smoked, or braised This extended cooking time helps break down the connective tissues and fat, making the pork incredibly tender. Once fully cooked, the pork is “pulled” or shredded into strings using two forks It’s then lightly sauced and served on sandwiches or plates.

Does Pulled Pork Have High Cholesterol?

Yes, pulled pork can be high in cholesterol due to the fatty cut of pork used. Here are some key factors:

Cut of Meat – Pork shoulder is a fattier cut that contains a significant amount of saturated fat and cholesterol compared to leaner pork cuts like tenderloin.
Extended Cooking – The slow cooking methods used for making pulled pork helps render out fat from the pork shoulder. However, a good amount of saturated fat and cholesterol remains.
Added Ingredients – Recipes for pulled pork frequently include additions like butter, oil, sugar, and salt. These can increase calories, cholesterol, and other unhealthy factors.

So while theExtended Cooking helps reduce some fat, pulled pork is still relatively high in saturated fat and cholesterol compared to leaner meats like chicken breast.

Cholesterol Levels in Pulled Pork

The cholesterol levels in pulled pork can vary considerably based on the specific recipe, ingredients, and cooking method. But generally, a 3 oz serving of pulled pork contains:

97-158 mg cholesterol – Dietary guidelines recommend limiting cholesterol intake to 300 mg per day. So pulled pork supplies 33-53% of the daily recommended limit.
4-13g total fat – Of this, around 1.5-5g is saturated fat. Saturated fat has the biggest impact on raising LDL “bad” cholesterol levels.
283-509mg sodium – High sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, increasing heart disease risk.

So while a single serving of pulled pork may not seem extremely high in cholesterol, eating it frequently or in large portions could put you over the recommended daily limits.

Heart Health Risks of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol levels in the blood increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. Here’s an overview:

Atherosclerosis – High LDL cholesterol levels allow cholesterol to build up on artery walls forming plaque. This plaque narrows arteries, restricting blood flow.
Blood Clots – Plaque can rupture, forming clots that block blood flow. This can cause heart attack or stroke.
Heart Attack & Stroke – Restricted blood from high cholesterol causes reduced oxygen to the heart and brain, increasing risk of heart attack and stroke.

Managing cholesterol levels through diet and lifestyle is key to reducing cardiovascular disease risk.

Tips for Enjoying Pulled Pork in a Heart-Healthy Diet

Pulled pork can absolutely be part of an overall healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation alongside other heart-healthy foods. Here are some tips:

Limit portion sizes to 3-4 oz, no more than once a week. This keeps calories, fat, and cholesterol in check.
Trim excess fat before pulling pork to reduce saturated fat.
Use leaner meats like chicken, fish, beans instead of pork for most meals.
Fill plate with vegetables, fruits, whole grains to balance the meal.
Avoid extra butter or oils when cooking pork or assembling sandwiches.
Flavor with vinegars, mustard, hot sauce instead of creamy, salty, sweet sauces.
Skip the bun for “pulled pork lettuce wraps” to slash carbs and calories.
Swap creamy coleslaw for fresh cabbage salad with vinaigrette.

With some simple modifications, pulled pork can still be incorporated into an overall heart-healthy pattern of eating. Moderation and balance are key for enjoying pulled pork while keeping cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risks low.

Pulled pork is a popular barbecue dish but relatively high in cholesterol due to the fatty pork shoulder cut used. Enjoying pulled pork in moderation alongside other fresh, whole foods can allow incorporating it into an overall balanced, heart-healthy diet. Monitoring portion sizes, trimming excess fat, and limiting frequency are key factors to keep in mind.

does pulled pork have a lot of cholesterol

What foods lower cholesterol?

oats
barley and other whole grains
eggplant and okra
nuts
vegetable oils
apple, grapes, strawberries
foods fortified with sterols and stanols
soy
fatty fish
fiber supplements.

Keep in mind that not all high cholesterol foods are bad for you. For example, eggs are relatively high in cholesterol. But they dont raise cholesterol levels as much as saturated fats. And theyre also packed with protein and other nutrients.

These foods are notorious for raising levels of LDL cholesterol.

Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing .

Your blood cholesterol level is higher than it should be if you are like most adults in the US. Health experts continue to lower the optimal cholesterol numbers to prevent a heart attack or stroke. If you don’t already take medicine to lower your cholesterol, making some simple changes to your diet can lower your risk of heart disease even more.

Is chicken really better than red meat for cholesterol levels?

FAQ

Is pulled pork bad for cholesterol?

Pork is a type of red meat that is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, but it is also high in fat and cholesterol. In particular, some pork cuts are high in saturated fatty acids, so-called bad fats. Excess saturated fats can increase your risk of developing heart problems, obesity, and other long-term illnesses.

Is pulled pork healthy or unhealthy?

As a red meat, pork has a reputation for being unhealthy. However, it is a good source of certain nutrients, as well as high-quality protein. Consumed in moderation, it can make a good addition to a healthy diet.

Should you avoid pork if you have high cholesterol?

Red Meat Beef, lamb, and pork may be delicious but infamously high in cholesterol. Specific dishes like hamburger patties, ribs, and pork chops are among the worst contributors to cholesterol levels. Now, this does not mean you need to avoid red meats altogether. Instead, it is time to learn to eat them in moderation.

Is pork a low cholesterol meat?

While pork belly and processed pork options such as ham and sausage are not generally low cholesterol meats, some pork options may be okay. One example is pork tenderloin. It is a relatively lean cut, and trimming any additional fat before cooking can help limit its impact on cholesterol. According to the USDA, 100 g of pork tenderloin contains:

Why is pork not recommended to eat?

This is not true, some cuts like sirloin and pork rump steak, for example, are very healthy, even healthier than beef and chicken. Only the fattest cuts like bacon and crackling should be avoided.

Does 100 g of pork tenderloin have cholesterol?

According to the USDA, 100 g of pork tenderloin contains: People watching their cholesterol should avoid high-fat cuts of steak and instead choose lean cuts such as sirloin or round cuts. Additionally, consider avoiding “prime” or “choice” cuts of beef. The USDA notes these are grades of beef that indicate high marbling, or fat content.

How much fat is in pulled pork?

Fat content also varies. A 3-ounce portion of ready-made pulled chicken contains 1.1 grams of total fat, 0 grams of saturated fat and 11 milligrams of cholesterol, while the ready-made pulled pork contains 6.2 grams of total fat, 2 grams of saturated fat and 37 milligrams of cholesterol.