Quality bacon
Because of the mass production, conventional pigs are fed with GMO soy and corn; they’re pumped full of antibiotics. They’re fed growth hormone to make the pigs fatter in record times. So try and avoid poor bacon (or at least trim the fat where most of the hormone residue will be). Quality bacon contains omega-3 fatty acids in a high ration to omega-6. Industrial pig feeding practices give high omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratios; the imbalance in the 6 to 3 ratio has been associated with numerous diseases, from cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases to diabetes and autoimmune disorders. A typical 60g portion of cooked bacon (3 rashers) contains:
- 22 grams of high quality animal protein.
- Lots of B vitamins.
- 40mg of selenium. 60% RDA.
- 100-200mg phosphorus. (12-24% RDA). High levels of phosphorus should be balanced with adequate calcium.
- Decent amounts of the minerals iron, magnesium, zinc and potassium.
Bacon is packed with high quality animal protein and hormone boosting saturated fats, plus cholesterol, the direct precursor of most hormones. Bacon and eggs anyone?
Sourcing great bacon
Bacon is one of the most industrialised meats and food companies add water and stabilisers to many bacon packs . The stuff feels soaking wet when it comes out of the packet and grey, watery sludge starts flowing the instant it hits the pan.You should check out a local food group to get advice on some organic local sources. Although the bacon may cost more it tends not to shrink as much compared to packaged bacon.
The perfect breakfast
- 3 egg omelette with bacon, onions, peppers, mushrooms. Seasoned with Himalayan sea salt.
- Full English: Lots of bacon, quality sausages, black pudding, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes.
- Eggs Benedict with bacon.
- Bacon and egg sandwich (try and limit the bread and make sure it's fresh).
Sources: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov