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Ham vs. Pork — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian by Jack Yacoubian | Last updated on May 06, 2024
Medically reviewed by Astghik Baghinyan Article author photo Astghik Baghinyan
Pork
vs
Ham

Summary

Ham refers to a specific cut from the pig that comes from the thighs, while pork refers to any cut from the pig. 

Broiled pork loin contains more fats and 100 more calories than cured roasted ham. However, ham contains about 19 times more sodium

Both pork loin and ham contain high levels of B complex vitamins, but pork loin contains slightly higher amounts. It also contains 2 times more selenium than ham.

Introduction

Whereas both pork and ham come from the pig, ham refers to a specific cut from the thighs. On the other hand, pork refers to any cut of the pig.

In this article, we will provide an overview of the differences between pork and ham, as well as provide a comprehensive nutritional and health impact comparison. 

What are the Actual Differences?

Types and Taste

There are different types of ham, which include fresh or uncured and cured ham. 

Fresh ham is usually a type of ham that has not been cured or cooked. It may be treated for trichinae, but it still requires additional cooking. In contrast, cured ham is usually what we refer to when we talk about ham in our daily lives. This type of ham is usually preserved by dry or wet-curing, with or without smoking. It is usually salted, has nitrates and nitrites added to it, and is sold in a ready-to-eat form. Cured ham usually has a smoky, rich flavor.  

On the other hand, pork is usually sold raw and always requires cooking before consumption. It has a rich flavor with a fatty profile.

Shelf Life

The shelf life for ham varies by the type of meat. For example, fresh (uncooked and uncured) ham can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days, and in the freezer, for 6 months. This is similar to fresh pork (roast, steak, chops, or ribs), which also lasts in the fridge for 3 to 5 days and between 4 to 6 months in the freezer (1). 

However, Italian or Spanish-type hams such as prosciutto, parma, or serrano may last in the fridge for up to 3 months and in the freezer for a month (2). 

Availability and Religion

Pork consumption is forbidden in certain religions. For example, those who follow the Jewish dietary law “Kashrut” avoid pork consumption altogether because pigs are not ruminants. Moreover, pork consumption is also banned in Islam. Thus, pork and hence, ham are unavailable in some regions or countries. 

Usage in the Culinary World

Cured ham is often served cold. They are primarily used as pizza toppings and in the famous Croque Monsieur and Cubano. When included in sandwiches, ham is usually served as a couple of slices, which are even less than the suggested moderate quantity to consume. This means ham does not pose any health risks. It’s also a nice addition to a charcuterie platter that pairs well with a dry red wine. On the other hand, one popular way to serve fresh ham is a slow roast. In many European countries, cooked fresh ham is eaten as part of the Christmas meal.        

Pork meat is one of the most common types of meat around the world. They are part of Asian, mostly Chinese, and central European cuisines. Pork meat is usually cooked, grilled, and even made into stews. In addition, pork meat can be made into further processing to produce hot dogs and canned, processed meats. A highlight of pork meat is bacon, derived from pork meat. 

You can also read about different cuts of pork, such as pork jowl vs. pork belly, as a comparative text. 

Nutritional Comparison

In order to compare ham to pork, we will be referring to cured, roasted, boneless, extra-lean (5% fat) ham and broiled pork loin.

To compare the ham with the pork, we will be using 100g of serving each. Keep in mind that many graphics below are provided for 300 grams of serving for better visual comparisons. 

Calories

Pork loin contains 100 more calories than ham. 

Per 100 grams of serving, broiled pork loin provides 242 calories, while roasted ham provides only 145 calories

Fats

Broiled pork loin contains higher amounts of fats compared to the extra lean, roasted ham we are considering in this article. Other types of ham may have higher fat content. 

Per 100 grams of serving, the extra lean, roasted ham contains 5.53 grams of total lipid fats, while the broiled pork loin contains more than twice as much, 13.9 grams

It is also important to explore the amount of different fats contained in these foods. If we look at the saturated fats only, pork contains almost 3 times more compared to ham. The saturated fat in 100g of broiled pork loin covers nearly 25% of the maximal daily allowed saturated fat intake. 

Unsaturated fats include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Pork loin is richer in monounsaturated fats by almost 2.5 times when compared to ham. Similarly, polyunsaturated fats are twice as high in pork loin than in ham.

Moreover, both pork loin and ham contain cholesterol. Per 100 grams of serving, roasted ham contains 53 milligrams of cholesterol, while pork contains 80 milligrams. 

Since fat is a concern while comparing pork meat, you can read about bacon vs. Canadian bacon, which is a pork derivative, but their fat composition differs. 

Protein

Both these foods are rich in proteins, but pork loin is slightly richer compared to ham. Pork loin contains 27.3 grams of protein, while ham contains 20.9 grams. 

Vitamins

Although both ham and pork contain adequate amounts of various vitamins, when comparing the two, pork loin has a slightly richer vitamin profile. 

Both pork loin and ham contain high levels of B complex vitamins, including Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12, but again, pork loin contains slightly higher contents of each. Although a single 100-gram serving is not enough to cover the daily need for any of these vitamins, they are still a great addition to fill up the daily vitamin need.   

This chart will help you visualize the vitamin content comparison.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Pork
10
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 2% 0.42% 5.8% 39% 219% 74% 94% 42% 107% 88% 0% 3.8% 51%
Ham
Ham
0
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 0% 0% 5% 24% 189% 47% 75% 24% 92% 81% 0% 2.3% 46%
Contains more Vitamin CVitamin C +∞%
Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A +∞%
Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E +16%
Contains more Vitamin DVitamin D +62.5%
Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1 +16.3%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2 +58.9%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3 +25.2%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5 +73.2%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 +16%
Contains more FolateFolate +66.7%
~equal in Vitamin B12 ~0.65µg
~equal in Vitamin K ~0µg
~equal in Choline ~85.1mg

Minerals

Pork loin is very rich in selenium, and although ham also contains selenium, its levels are about 2 times lower. While the daily recommended dietary intake of selenium is 55 micrograms, a 100-gram serving of pork loin is able to provide 45.3 micrograms, almost filling up the daily need. 

Both ham and pork loin also contain adequate amounts of phosphoruszinc, and iron, but the difference in content between the two meats is not large.

It is also important to discuss that ham is much higher in sodium than pork loin. Per 100 grams of serving, the sodium content in ham is 1200mg, while in pork loin, it is only 62mg. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans sets a limit of 2300mg of sodium per day, which means the 100-gram serving of pork loin fills up half of the daily limit.

This chart will help you visualize the mineral content comparison.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Pork
6
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 20% 5.7% 37% 33% 24% 65% 105% 8.1% 1.2% 247%
Ham
Ham
3
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 10% 2.4% 25% 56% 26% 79% 84% 157% 7% 106%
Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium +100%
Contains more CalciumCalcium +137.5%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium +47.4%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus +25.5%
Contains less SodiumSodium -94.8%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium +132.3%
Contains more IronIron +70.1%
Contains more ZincZinc +20.5%
Contains more ManganeseManganese +500%
~equal in Copper ~0.079mg

Glycemic index

The glycemic index is a rating system used for foods containing carbohydrates. As both contain very few carbohydrates, their glycemic index is 0, which is considered low and means their consumption has minimal effect on blood sugar levels.

Acidity

One way to understand the acidity of foods is through their potential renal acid load (PRAL) value, which shows how much acid or base the given food produces inside the organism. 

Based on our calculations, the PRAL values of broiled pork loin and roasted ham are 13.2 and 11, respectively, which means that broiled pork loin has a slightly higher potential to acidify the body compared to roasted ham.

Weight Loss and Diets

Although there are various nutritional differences between these two types of meats, both are generally low in carbohydrates, high in protein and have good vitamin and mineral profiles. However, they also have downsides, such as a higher fat and cholesterol profile in pork loin and high sodium levels in ham. 

As part of a weight loss diet, both should be consumed in moderation, owing to the salt in ham and the cholesterol in pork loin.

Moreover, ham and pork can be part of a bodybuilder’s diet. They are rich in proteins and have a good amount of L-carnitine, which helps in fat mobilization and metabolism. However, it is important to select lean pork cuts for this purpose. In addition to that, pork and ham contain certain amounts of creatine. Although these amounts are not similar to creatine supplementation, they provide advantages in muscle gaining, increasing endurance, and increasing strength in bodybuilding.

Pork meat and ham are both keto-friendly proteins. They are one of the keto diet’s most highly suggested protein options. Their glycemic index is zero, and their carbohydrate content is insignificant.

Health Impact

Cardiovascular Health

Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan Article author photo Astghik Grigoryan

When comparing ham and pork in terms of their impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD), several factors come into play:

Saturated fat content: Both ham and pork can be high in saturated fat, which can increase cholesterol levels and contribute to CVD risk.

Sodium content: Processed meats like ham often contain high levels of sodium, which can elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Pork, depending on how it's prepared, may also contain added sodium, but typically in lower amounts compared to processed ham (3).

Processing: Ham is a processed meat, which means it may contain additives, preservatives, and other ingredients that could potentially have negative effects on heart health. On the other hand, pork in its unprocessed form may be a leaner option, depending on the cut and how it's cooked (4).

Preparation methods: How ham and pork are prepared can also impact their healthfulness. Grilling, baking, or roasting pork without adding excessive fats can make it a healthier option compared to frying or cooking with rich sauces.

In summary, both ham and pork can contribute to CVD risk, primarily due to their saturated fat and sodium content. However, choosing lean cuts of pork and opting for unprocessed or minimally processed forms can help mitigate some of these risks. Additionally, moderation and balanced consumption, along with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are important aspects of a heart-healthy diet.

Diabetes and Obesity

Red meat consumption and the increased risk of developing diabetes have also been studied (5).  

When compared to fresh meat, processed meat, such as cured ham, contains more salt and nitrates. All of these contribute to diabetes and obesity development. However, if used in moderation and little quantities, they should not pose a health risk to healthy people. (5, 6)

Cancer

Consumption of ham, high in sodium and nitrates, is also positively associated with increased risks of gastric cancer (7).

However, pork meat with higher amounts of monounsaturated fats is associated with decreased risks of developing endometrial cancer (8).

Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian
Education: Haigazian Medical University
Last updated: May 06, 2024
Medically reviewed by Astghik Baghinyan

Infographic

Pork vs Ham infographic
Infographic link

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Pork
2
27% 14% 58%
Protein: 27.32 g
Fats: 13.92 g
Carbs: 0 g
Water: 57.87 g
Other: 0.89 g
Ham
Ham
3
21% 6% 68% 4%
Protein: 20.93 g
Fats: 5.53 g
Carbs: 1.5 g
Water: 67.67 g
Other: 4.37 g
Contains more ProteinProtein +30.5%
Contains more FatsFats +151.7%
Contains more CarbsCarbs +∞%
Contains more WaterWater +16.9%
Contains more OtherOther +391%

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Pork
2
41% 49% 10%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 5.23 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 6.19 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 1.2 g
Ham
Ham
1
36% 53% 11%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 1.81 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 2.62 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.54 g
Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat +136.3%
Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat +122.2%
Contains less Sat. FatSaturated Fat -65.4%

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Pork Ham
Lower in Sodium ok
Rich in vitamins ok
Lower in Cholesterol ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in price ok
Lower in Sugar Equal
Lower in Glycemic Index Equal
Rich in minerals Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Pork Ham Opinion
Calories 242kcal 145kcal Pork
Protein 27.32g 20.93g Pork
Fats 13.92g 5.53g Pork
Vitamin C 0.6mg 0mg Pork
Net carbs 0g 1.5g Ham
Carbs 0g 1.5g Ham
Cholesterol 80mg 53mg Ham
Vitamin D 53IU 32IU Pork
Magnesium 28mg 14mg Pork
Calcium 19mg 8mg Pork
Potassium 423mg 287mg Pork
Iron 0.87mg 1.48mg Ham
Copper 0.073mg 0.079mg Ham
Zinc 2.39mg 2.88mg Ham
Phosphorus 246mg 196mg Pork
Sodium 62mg 1203mg Pork
Vitamin A 7IU 0IU Pork
Vitamin A 2µg 0µg Pork
Vitamin E 0.29mg 0.25mg Pork
Vitamin D 1.3µg 0.8µg Pork
Manganese 0.009mg 0.054mg Ham
Selenium 45.3µg 19.5µg Pork
Vitamin B1 0.877mg 0.754mg Pork
Vitamin B2 0.321mg 0.202mg Pork
Vitamin B3 5.037mg 4.023mg Pork
Vitamin B5 0.698mg 0.403mg Pork
Vitamin B6 0.464mg 0.4mg Pork
Vitamin B12 0.7µg 0.65µg Pork
Folate 5µg 3µg Pork
Choline 93.9mg 85.1mg Pork
Saturated Fat 5.23g 1.81g Ham
Monounsaturated Fat 6.19g 2.62g Pork
Polyunsaturated fat 1.2g 0.54g Pork
Tryptophan 0.338mg 0.251mg Pork
Threonine 1.234mg 0.931mg Pork
Isoleucine 1.26mg 0.918mg Pork
Leucine 2.177mg 1.661mg Pork
Lysine 2.446mg 1.775mg Pork
Methionine 0.712mg 0.553mg Pork
Phenylalanine 1.086mg 0.904mg Pork
Valine 1.473mg 0.908mg Pork
Histidine 1.067mg 0.75mg Pork

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Pork Ham
Low Calories diet ok
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet Equal

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
56%
Pork
45%
Ham
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
55%
Pork
55%
Ham

Comparison summary

Which food contains less Sodium?
Pork
Pork contains less Sodium (difference - 1141mg)
Which food is richer in vitamins?
Pork
Pork is relatively richer in vitamins
Which food is lower in Cholesterol?
Ham
Ham is lower in Cholesterol (difference - 27mg)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Ham
Ham is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 3.42g)
Which food is cheaper?
Ham
Ham is cheaper (difference - $0.3)
Which food contains less Sugar?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Sugar (0 g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
?
The foods have equal glycemic indexes (0)
Which food is richer in minerals?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Pork - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167820/nutrients
  2. Ham - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167871/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.