Pork nutritional value and relationships with human health

Pork is one of the world's most frequently consumed red meats and provides substantial amounts of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients to the diets of humans. Fresh lean pork contains critical nutrients important for the growth and development of children and adults. It can readily be included as a regular part of a healthy dietary pattern for weight loss, diabetes and blood pressure management, mood, vitality, quality of life and cognition, quality of sleep, and general health. Moreover, fresh lean pork can be included as part of a predominantly plant-based diet like the Mediterranean diet, which may preserve cognitive function. Nevertheless, there is some concern that excess consumption of some processed meats including beef and pork is associated with some human health diseases and conditions.