I began Atkins to lose weight because of high blood pressure (and knee pain). I've only been on the diet for 1 month and lost 18 lbs. I take BP meds. I "heard" that pork should be avoided if you have high BP. Does anyone know if this old wife's tale was just a tale told by an old wife or really has some truth to it?

hi Dizz,

hmmm... can't say that I've ever heard of this one! Now, salty ham, bacon and brined pig's feet might be a problem .. from the salt though, not the pork.

Unfortunately, I've been noticing at my local grocery that the fresh pork products - chops, tenderloin, roasts etc - have been soaked in a "seasoning" which contains sodium phosphate. This helps hold on to moisture, since lean pork has a tendency to be rather dry. I won't buy it ... I figure if all that sodium and phosphate holds water in the meat, it'll hold water in me too .. bloat, bloat ..

On the other hand, pork is one of the richest sources of thiamine (vitamin B1) ... which is important for energy, and carbohydrate metabolism.

Doreen

Thanks, I'll probably include pork chops but just not as frequently as other proteins. I do not care for BLOAT, BLOAT, either!

If the pork has been soaked with the "tenderizing seasoning", it will have to say so on the label. At least in Canada, but I'm sure the USDA would have the same rules.

All this talk about pork ... I haven't had in a couple weeks (pork rinds don't count ) ... Think I'll go thaw a couple loin chops - I'll have one for supper, and the other cold for tomorrow's salad.

Doreen