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Ham & Cholesterol

Although it is essential to normal body function, cholesterol can be harmful when present in excess. Ham is a cholesterol-rich food whose consumption can contribute to elevated blood cholesterol.

  1. Function

    • As a structural component of all cell membranes, cholesterol is essential to life. As a building block, it is used in the synthesis of steroid hormones, vitamin D and bile acids.

    Sources of Cholesterol

    • The diet normally accounts for about 25 percent of cholesterol content, according to the Tri-County Health Department of Colorado. The other 75 percent of blood cholesterol comes from the body, either from stored cholesterol esters or new synthesis by the liver and other organs.

    Types

    • A complete cholesterol count is comprised of: low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides and Lp(a). HDL, known as "good cholesterol," reduces risk of heart disease, while LDL ("bad cholesterol") increases risk.

    Ham Types

    • The term "ham" usually refers to a cut of pork meat from the hind leg of a hog. Pork ham is one of the leanest cuts of pork. Ham made from smoked turkey thigh meat is 95 percent percent fat-free, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

    Cholesterol Contents

    • A serving size of 3 ounces (85g) of smoked turkey provides 55 mg of cholesterol (18 percent of the recommended daily value), according to the USDA. The same quantity of cooked pork ham provides 60 mg of cholesterol (20 percent of daily recommended value).

    Considerations

    • Because cholesterol cannot dissolve in blood, excessive levels can cause plaque formation in blood vessels. raising the risk of cardiovascular disease

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