To understand why bacon is a good choice for us let’s take a quick look at the nutritional facts.
If you take 1 Tbsp of pure lard you will see that it has an even balance of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Along with some polyunsaturates and cholesterol. Most importantly it doesn’t contain any trans fats.
Here is what it contains:
* 5.9 grams of saturated fats
* 6.4 grams of monounsaturated fats
* 2 grams of polyunsaturated fats (primarily omega-6)
* 14 mg cholesterol
If you compare this to vegetable shortening which supposedly was to be healthier you will see they don’t really compare.
Vegetable shortening:
* 3.8 grams of saturated fats
* 6.7 grams of monounsaturated fats
* 3.9 grams of polyunsaturated fats (primarily omega-6)
* 2 grams of trans fats (man-made)
The main difference is the trans fats which researchers are now understanding was a huge mistake in saying it was healthier. Trans fats have been linked directly to heart disease morbidity and mortality.