The benefits of serrano ham in adolescence
When buying Serrano ham, we are acquiring a great food, low in fats, and rich in proteins and minerals such as iron and zinc, as well as many B-group vitamins and vitamin D. All these elements are very beneficial for health, especially for certain groups of people, such as women in pre- or post-menopause to prevent osteoporosis, or for pregnant women and mothers during lactation. Additionally, Serrano ham during adolescence is an ideal food for the proper growth and development of our children's bones and brains. There are so many benefits depending on age and gender groups, and today we will focus on all the good things it brings to our teenagers. Here we go!
Serrano Ham: Nutritional Characteristics
Since ancient times, humans have learned to preserve food with salt, especially meat and fish, to consume them during cold seasons when hunting was not possible for extended periods. In the Iberian Peninsula, the salting process has been perfected over centuries, especially in the production of Serrano ham, thanks to acquired preservation and storage techniques. Through this, we have successfully dehydrated ham pieces, concentrating nutrients in even a small piece of ham.
The nutrients in Serrano ham with the highest concentration are high-quality proteins, even more than what a beef or veal steak could have. Other ingredients with high concentration include iron and zinc, as well as trace elements (nutrients needed in small amounts for the body but essential for growing individuals). It also contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, along with many B-group vitamins, especially B1, and traces of vitamin D.
On the other hand, Serrano ham shares nutritional properties with olive oil due to the similarity in their lipids. Nearly half of the fats in Serrano ham are unsaturated, with oleic acid being the main fatty acid. In fact, olive oil and Iberian ham have even higher oleic acid content than Serrano ham, making it even lower in lipid content. For all these reasons, it is an ideal food to contribute to the growth and well-being of the most challenging stage of human development: adolescence.
The nutrients in Serrano ham with the highest concentration are high-quality proteins, even more than what a beef or veal steak could have. Other ingredients with high concentration include iron and zinc, as well as trace elements (nutrients needed in small amounts for the body but essential for growing individuals). It also contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, along with many B-group vitamins, especially B1, and traces of vitamin D.
On the other hand, Serrano ham shares nutritional properties with olive oil due to the similarity in their lipids. Nearly half of the fats in Serrano ham are unsaturated, with oleic acid being the main fatty acid. In fact, olive oil and Iberian ham have even higher oleic acid content than Serrano ham, making it even lower in lipid content. For all these reasons, it is an ideal food to contribute to the growth and well-being of the most challenging stage of human development: adolescence.
Translating the Benefits of Serrano Ham to Teenagers
Adolescence is a critical period in the final development of our children before they reach adulthood. During this stage of life, nutrition plays a vital role in bone growth, hormone surges, mood changes, as well as brain and immune system development until reaching adulthood. Thanks to the multiple nutrients in Serrano ham, teenagers can enjoy significant advantages to grow up healthy and well-balanced in all aspects.Thanks to Proteins
Regarding proteins, Serrano ham provides significant nutritional benefits in all these areas. Consider that boys and especially girls require a high intake of iron and more proteins than at any other time in life. About 100 grams of Serrano ham provide around 30.5 grams of protein, and because these proteins are of high quality and include all essential amino acids, the body gets what it needs most during periods of growth.Thanks to Vitamins
B-group vitamins, especially B1 and B2 (riboflavin), contribute to energy production from glucose and fat, playing a role in the proper formation of muscle fibers and nerve impulses. All of this also influences the mood of our brain, favoring episodes of depression or sudden mood swings, which we parents know and have experienced with our children on more than one occasion.
Thanks to Minerals
Regarding minerals, the high iron content is very beneficial because it is easily absorbed and plays a role in transporting oxygen necessary for cellular and hormonal metabolism. Zinc is essential for the development of the immune system and, in general, for the growth of adolescents or children.
At Enrique Tomás, our Serrano ham is our Gran Reserva ham, or its equivalent in Gran Reserva shoulder. We go above and beyond in Serrano ham quality, and our pieces are among the best in the market, always seeking that added value that combines the best flavor with the care of our customers' health.
In conclusion, there are very few foods with such high nutritional value, moderate in calories, and with a balanced nutritional profile, making everyone's diet, especially our youth's, rich in essential nutrients for proper body and mind development. So, don't hesitate to include it in your children's diet, in sandwiches, with vegetables to make them more enjoyable and tasty, and if they struggle to eat fruit, combine ham with it. We have many ideas here for you to put into practice. Give it a try!
