Information from Pork Heart: Nutrition, Benefits, Recipe - Dr. Robert Kiltz
Pork Heart Nutrition
Pork heart is high in essential B vitamins, zinc, iron, selenium, coenzyme Q10, and more.
Let’s take a closer look at pork heart nutrition, beginning with its macronutrients content.
Pig Heart Macronutrients
| 1 pig heart | |
|---|---|
| Total calories | 266 |
| Total fat | 9.9 grams |
| Saturated fat | 2.6 grams |
| Trans fat | 0.0 grams |
| Cholesterol | 296.1 milligrams |
| Sodium | 126.6 milligrams |
| Carbohydrates | 3 grams |
| Net Carbs | 3 grams |
| Sugar | 0 grams |
| Protein | 39 grams |
Protein
Pork heart provides 29 grams of complete protein, which makes it a highly satiating food.
Carbohydrates
Pork heart contains trace amounts of carbohydrates — 3 grams per heart, to be exact. This isn’t nearly enough to affect blood glucose levels or kick you out of ketosis. So it’s a perfect addition to a ketogenic and carnivore diet food list.
Fat
Pork heart is lower in fat than most varieties of conventional pork. The fat it does contain is mostly polyunsaturated.
Only 2.6 grams of its nearly 10 grams is saturated fat. PUFA’s, as they’re called, have both pros and cons. One concern is that they can be destabilized by heat and cause inflammation. The PUFA content of pastured pork heart is likely to be lower.
Pig Heart Micronutrients
| Nutrient | 1 pork heart | %RDV |
|---|---|---|
| Iron | 4.6 milligrams | 59% |
| Magnesium | 32.5 milligrams | 11% |
| Phosphorus | 377 milligrams | 38% |
| Zinc | 5.1 milligrams | 42% |
| Copper | 1 milligram | 46% |
| Thiamine | 1.5 milligrams | 92% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 2.7 milligram | 158% |
| Niacin | 14.4 milligrams | 76% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 milligrams | 44% |
| Vitamin B12 | 3.9 micrograms | 143% |
B12
Pork heart is a great source of B12. Just one heart contains 143% of your RDV. Most people find that a diet rich in heart and other B12 foods helps them stay energized throughout the day.
Studies confirm that B12 contributes to cellular energy production, mental health, and immune strength.
B2 (Riboflavin)
Heart is also a great source of B2 (riboflavin), coming in at 158% RDV per single heart serving. Riboflavin contributes to cellular energy generation, eyesight health, and more. Like virtually every B vitamin, t’s also anti-fatigue.
Iron
Pork heart is richer in iron than most other pork products. One heart contains over half your recommended daily value. This easily absorbed heme iron plays a vital role in keeping the body oxygenated.
Pork heart’s iron content may be especially helpful for pregnant or nursing women, who are more likely to suffer from subclinical iron deficiencies.
Coenzyme Q10
The hearts of most species — including us humans — are loaded with coenzyme Q10. Pork heart is no exception.
This interesting antioxidant has been found to possess anti-stress, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties. Dr. Kiltz recommends coenzyme Q10 supplements to women who want to promote their fertility the natural way. Pork heart offers another potential whole-food solution.
Zinc
One pork heart offers 42% of your daily zinc needs. Zinc is an essential nutrient, meaning our bodies can’t make it on their own, so we have to get it from our food. And it plays a critical role in metabolizing nutrients, maintaining an effective immune system, and growing and repairing body tissues–including your own heart.
