Q. I would love to try some pork recipes, but I am diabetic. Is pork acceptable for a diabetic diet?

A. Often thought of as a "bad for you" food, pork can be a healthy part of the diabetic diet. Many cuts are quite lean; as a matter of fact, pork is 50 percent leaner than it was in the late 1960s because of better feeding practices and improved genetics. It is also an excellent source of protein.

Pork can be a healthy addition to a diabetic diet and is a good source of protein.
©Photodisc
Pork is a good source of protein and can
be a healthy part of a diabetic diet.

What to look for: Choose fresh pork that has a pale pink color. Avoid pork that is gray-colored. Any fat should be firm and creamy white, not yellow. The meat should have no odd odors. The surface should be moist but not slimy.

Storage: Pork may be stored in its original supermarket wrap unless the package is leaking. Store fresh pork in the coldest part of the refrigerator, about 36°F to 40°F, and use within two to three days. If not used within this time, wrap in moisture-proof material, label, date, and freeze at 0°F or lower.

Now that you know some basic facts about cooking with pork, it's time to try some delicious pork recipes. For recipe suggestions, visit:

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.