Many people with diabetes in Mexico stopped eating pork because they thought ...

Many people with diabetes in Mexico stopped eating pork because they thought it was high in fat and bad for them. The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) dispelled that myth at a diabetes management expo held in Mexican cities for health professionals and consumers with diabetes.

Diabetes is the leading preventable cause of death in Mexico and can be managed with healthy nutrition and exercise. Managing diabetes can also prevent blindness, cardiovascular disease, obesity, kidney problems and nervous system damage leading to amputation.

Lean cuts of U.S. pork fit right into healthy nutritional plans to keep blood sugar levels within a safe range, according to Joaquin Gordillo, a certified nutritionist that represented USMEF at expos in Mexico City and Toluca. Several cities in Mexico are hosting the one-day expo called “Take Charge!” through November.

Gordillo shared with over 131 health professionals and 175 people with diabetes who attended the expos how lean, high-quality U.S. pork helps manage calories and fat intake to prevent obesity and high cholesterol, which can lead to diabetes complications.

For example, U.S. pork tenderloin contains 139 calories and 1.4 grams of saturated fat per 3-ounce serving, which compares favorably to chicken breast and is much less than chicken thigh meat.

U.S. pork is also an excellent source of protein and vitamins such as thiamin, vitamin B-12, phosphorous, niacin and zinc. These vitamins help the body use energy from food and fight off infection. Attendees were surprised how lean most pork cuts are and learned how to prepare pork without adding fat or calories.

Many of the 645 attendees at the Mexico City expo visited the USMEF booth where they picked up U.S. pork nutrition facts, recipes and giveaways to take home.

At the Toluca expo, over 220 people visited the USMEF booth where staff further explained the benefits of eating U.S. pork, how to choose lean cuts and how to cook it to retain its nutrition and health benefits.

U.S. pork exports of lean cuts to Mexico totaled 63,001 metric tons (mt) through April this year valued at $113 million. Mexico is the second-largest export market for the U.S. pork industry.

Expo sponsors such as Eli Lilly and Abbot, manufactures of diabetes medications like insulin, and food companies like Unilever and Quaker Oats were also at the expo, which is approved by the Mexico Ministry of Health.

Maude Versini, the first lady of the State of Mexico, also stopped at the USMEF booth in Toluca where she was impressed to learn how USMEF is committed to educating consumers about the safety and nutrition of U.S. red meat.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation is the trade association responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry and is funded by USDA, exporting companies, and the beef, pork, corn, sorghum and soybean checkoff programs.

– USMEF –

The following photos are available with this release:

Photo 1– USMEF-Mexico Communication and Information Manager Hector Huerta explains the benefits of eating lean U.S. pork cuts to attendees at the diabetes management expo in Toluca.

Photo 2 – Many of the 645 attendees at the Mexico City expo visited the USMEF booth where they picked up U.S. pork nutrition facts, recipes and giveaways to take home.