BENEFITS OF PORK IN SCHOOL MEALS Pork offers a host of benefits when incorporated into school meals. Its high protein content helps keep students full, and it may be easier to stay focused thanks to the selenium, choline, and protein in pork.1-4 Pork is a source of over 10 essential nutrients. A 3-ounce serving is an “excellent” source of protein, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, thiamin, niacin, zinc, riboflavin, and selenium, and a “good” source of choline, pantothenic acid and phosphorus.4 Pork is also versatile, working well in a wide range of dishes, from traditional Barbecue to globally inspired flavors.1-4 There is a “world of flavor” in pork, providing more than 110 unique flavor nuances.5 For schools, using U.S. pork means fresher, higher-quality ingredients. This reduces the environmental impact of long-distance transportation and allows schools to support local economies by purchasing from U.S. farmers.
References: 1. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supple- ments. Choline: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Published March 29, 2021. Accessed December 9, 2024. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthPro- fessional/. 2. Skarupski KA, Tangney C, Li H, Ouyang B, Evans DA, Mor- ris MC. Longitudinal association of vitamin B-6, folate, and vitamin B-12 with depressive symptoms among older adults over time. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;92(2):330- 335. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2010.29413. 3. Gashu D, Stoecker BJ. Selenium and Cognition: Mechanism and Evidence. In: Preedy V, Patel VB, eds. Handbook of Famine, Starvation, and Nutrient Depri- vation: From Biology to Policy. Springer International Publishing; 2018:1-17. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-40007- 5_21-2 4. USDA Nutrient Data Set for Fresh Pork (Derived from SR), Release 1.1. Accessed December 17, 2024. https:// www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/80400525/Data/Pork/ Pork1-1.pdAnkersen L. Comprehensive sensory and flavor nuances of pork protein and fat. InnovaConsult ApS. Published February 14, 2024. Accessed December 9, 2024.
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