Pork Meat is the Home of Tapeworms

Eating pork has a risk of tapeworm infection. In addition, consuming this meat in excess is also associated with the risk of high cholesterol, heart disease and cancer.

Pork is very rich in protein. Pork is also considered a good source of potassium, phosphorus and zinc. Niacin (vitamin B3), thiamine (vitamin B1), folate, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and vitamin B6 are also contained in this meat.

Saturated fat content in pork, especially the tenderloin portion, is lower than that of poultry. Even so, the cholesterol and total fat content of pork remains higher.

Pork and Tapeworm
Although commonly consumed and considered as a good source of protein, there are risks associated with pork, namely tapeworm infection or taeniasis. This is a disease caused by infection with Taenia solium worms, aka pork tapeworms. This type of pork tapeworm can be found all over the world, especially in countries with poor sanitation systems.

In these countries, pigs are allowed to roam freely to the risk of consuming human waste containing tapeworm eggs. Tapeworms can also enter through food or drinks that have been contaminated by the worm eggs.

Tapeworm eggs that enter the human stomach will hatch into larvae. Furthermore, the larvae will continue to travel to the intestine and enter the bloodstream. In addition to the digestive tract, tapeworms can also spread to other parts of the human body, such as muscles, eyes, and brain.

Tapeworm infection is usually not specific or actually shows no symptoms at all. Symptoms of tapeworm infection that can appear include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea and vomiting. If it spreads to the muscles, tapeworm infection can cause a small lump under the skin.

Swine tapeworm infection in the brain is known as neurocysticercosis. Symptoms can include headaches, visual disturbances, seizures, and decreased consciousness. Other symptoms that indicate the tapeworm has infected the brain are confusion, difficulty concentrating, disruption of body coordination, and signs of brain swelling.

Pork Meat and Health Impact
Pork meat which is categorized as red meat should not be consumed excessively. It is said that consuming 100 grams of red meat or 50 grams of processed meat every day, can increase the risk of colon cancer by 17 percent. Pork is not the only one that is classified as red meat. There is also beef and lamb meat which is also red meat, so it has a similar risk.

Another health impact of consuming excess pork is high cholesterol and obesity. Even some studies say that unhealthy eating patterns with excessive high fat meat intake are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Despite being high in protein and recommended to consume a limited amount of meat.

To avoid the risk of getting pork tapeworms, choose and consume pork that is really fresh and has gone through a hygienic treatment process. In addition, cook pork until it is fully cooked.

The recommended pork is a piece of meat from the part whose name contains the word "-loin", like tenderloin. Pork meat should also be cooked at a temperature of 62-71 degrees Celsius.

To guarantee the nutritional content of pork that you want to consume, read the labels on pork packaging when buying. In addition, buy pork that is guaranteed cleanliness.