How good is pancetta for you? Find out what the experts say, get serving sizes, and health concerns

Perspective from Caroline Luiza C. Castro

Possible Side Effects

The main risk related to pancetta is the high amount of sodium provided by the process to dry pancetta, which can cause hypertension and kidney damages.
Some preservatives presented in pancetta, such as nitrites can form nitrosamines, which are potential too risk for consumer. it’s caused by some chemical reactions which can lead carcinogenic activity in our body

Quantity Recommendation

I would recommend pancetta as part of cheese plate in a special occasion, very low amount, such once in a month. it is not recommended as part of a regular meal plan. People would eat pancetta rarely, not as part of their routine

→ Pancetta: How much should you eat? Experts weigh in.

→ See benefits of Pancetta from this expert

Possible Side Effects

Pancetta is rich in fat, one serving contains 22.5 g, so one serving is more than 50% of daily recommendations of fat, which means it can increase cardiovascular diseases and the body weight.
Pancetta is a poor protein choice, it has around 1.5g only, so it is far from the adult daily recommendation for muscle preservation.

Quantity Recommendation

If choosing to eat Pancetta, try using it sparingly additive or enhancer and only on limited occasions, no more than 5 to 10 g a day, besides make sure adding extra antioxidants food with it as onions, garlic or herbs for example.

→ Pancetta: How much should you eat? Experts weigh in.