There is a lot of scientific information about the health benefits of Iberian ham, but today we are going to focus on the amount of minerals and vitamins it provides, being an incredible source to strengthen your immune system. As you will see in this article by Jamón Pasión, this product has many healthy properties for the organism.
Vitamins in Iberian ham
Group B vitamins are not produced by the body, so they must be provided through the diet. It is an essential vitamin that intervenes in energy metabolism, releasing energy and is very important for the growth, functioning and maturation of the nervous system. It is an abundant vitamin in Iberico ham. As they are water-soluble, the body eliminates them quickly through the urine, so they must be incorporated regularly in the diet.
The most common are vitamins B1, B6, B12 and folic acid. Iberian ham also provides vitamin E, with antioxidant properties, making it an ideal food for anti-ageing treatments. It also helps white blood cells to be prepared to fight viruses.
Needless to say, if it is an iberico bellota ham, it provides even more benefits, thanks to the abundant oleic acid in acorns in the pig's diet. Monounsaturated fatty acid of the omega 9 series, typical of vegetable oils such as olive oil, safflower, avocado, etc. It has a beneficial effect on the blood vessels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin D, also present in Iberian pigs reared outdoors, is one of the most important nutrients in our body, as it is essential for the formation and maintenance of bones, due to its role in the absorption of phosphorus and calcium, as well as in the normal functioning of the immune system.
As you know, exposure to the sun is essential for the body to produce vitamin D. Acorn-fed and free-range hams, as they come from pigs reared in the pastures in total freedom, have good levels of this vitamin.
Minerals in Iberian ham
Iberico Spanish ham contains, above all, iron, selenium, zinc and copper, more abundant in acorn-fed Iberian hams than in fattened hams. The most important are iron and zinc, which are present in sufficient quantities to cover daily needs.
Iron is very abundant in Iberian pork. Although it is also found in many seeds, legumes and nuts, the body assimilates animal iron much better, in the form of haem iron. Iron absorption is facilitated by the presence of vitamin C, is key in the formation of blood cells and oxygenation of the body, and is related to the immune system.
Selenium, which has an important antioxidant effect, is found in red meat, Iberian ham and almost all seafood, and is an important mineral in cognitive development and memory.
The consumption of Iberian ham also contributes to the supply of copper, which can be found in liver, nuts, chocolate and seafood.
Another very important mineral present in iberico ham is zinc, which can also be obtained from eggs, fish and some nuts, but it is much more easily assimilated from meat. It is an antioxidant essential for brain function and memory. Eating Iberian ham provides sufficient levels to cover daily needs and helps to control and regulate our body's immune response.
As you can see, there are countless health benefits to eating Spanish Iberico ham.