MINERALS OF CURED HAM
- Armando´s European Food
- Feb 8
- 1 min read
Among the many nutritional components of cured ham, some of the minerals it provides are calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.
The two most important minerals in cured ham are, starting with iron, which covers approximately 16% of the daily recommendations for adults per 100 g of cured ham. Along with calcium, it helps prevent osteoporosis and is beneficial for breastfeeding women and people with anemia, in addition to reducing fatigue.
The next most important mineral is zinc, which, in the same amount of ham, covers around 15% of daily needs. It is essential for growth, wound healing, and the development of cognitive functions such as attention and memory. Additionally, it acts as an antioxidant and supports the immune system.
In 100 g of cured ham, magnesium and potassium cover approximately 5% of daily needs, while phosphorus covers 26%. These minerals are important for improving cognitive function, increasing concentration and attention. Furthermore, ham contains about 12.1 µg of selenium per 100 g, a crucial mineral for reproduction, thyroid function, and the immune system, as well as for protecting against free radicals.
The sodium content in ham has decreased due to growing consumer awareness of health. The industry has adapted its processes to reduce salt by extending drying and curing periods. Although high sodium intake can raise blood pressure, the active peptides generated during curing may mitigate this effect. In summary, cured ham is an excellent food that helps meet daily nutritional needs, being a source of selenium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc, within a healthy lifestyle.
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