Iberian pork products have always been associated to the Mediterranean diet, and are synonymous with healthy, quality food.

Iberian pig fat, one of its characteristic elements and of prime importance as regards the final aroma and taste, may be viewed as harmful or bad in a balanced diet.

However, scientific studies have shown that this fat contains more than 50% of oleic acid (the same as that of olive oil).

This monounsaturated acid is highly beneficial on health, as it reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the cholesterol that is good for the health (HDL), whose function in the body is to help eliminate bad cholesterol from the blood.

Iberian ham is one of the healthiest foods that exist, due to its beneficial properties on cholesterol and its antioxidant and anti-aging properties that act on the nervous system, brain, bones and cartilages.

 In fact, Iberian ham has now surpassed boiled ham as the first element recommended in all medical diets.

A recent study conducted by the Faculty of Medicine at Salamanca University has concluded that Iberian “bellota” ham contributes to delaying the aging process, by exerting a very positive effect on what is known as “oxidant stress”, which is partly to blame for neurodegenerative processes such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease.

It should also be said that 100 grams of Iberian ham contain between 190 and 250 calories, making it also ideal in low calorie or slimming diets.

Average composition of 100 grams of Iberian ham:

-          Water: 57.5 g

-          Proteins: 28.5 g

-          Fats (rich in monounsaturated acid): 14.5 g

-          Carbohydrates: 0 g

-          Fibre: 0 g

-          vitamin E

-          vitamin B1

-          vitamin B6

-          vitamin B12

-          magnesium

-          phosphorus

-          selenium

-          copper

-          calcium

-          iron

-          zinc