Pork can be considered bad for health primarily due to the risks associated with its consumption, especially when it is processed or undercooked. Key reasons include:
- Pork may contain toxins due to the pig's digestive system and limited ability to sweat, which causes toxins to accumulate in its fatty tissues and be passed on to humans when consumed.
- Processed pork products like bacon, ham, and sausage are classified as carcinogens by the WHO and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Pork can carry parasites and bacteria, such as trichinella worms causing trichinosis, or harmful bacteria like Yersinia enterocolitica, leading to infections if pork is undercooked or not handled properly.
- High saturated fat content in some pork cuts contributes to heart problems, obesity, and liver diseases. Excessive pork consumption combined with other factors may increase the risk of chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis and liver dysfunction.
- Processed pork also tends to have high sodium levels, which can increase blood pressure and lead to heart disease and stroke.
In summary, pork is not inherently bad but should be consumed with caution, cooked properly, and processed pork should be limited due to carcinogenic risks and other health concerns.
