Fine dust and a scratchy throat: Is pork belly really good for you?

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Even in winter, there are days when fine dust levels run high. Prolonged exposure to fine dust can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of respiratory illnesses such as colds and asthma. While wearing a mask helps, it is difficult to block fine dust completely, making timely elimination through exercise and diet important. On days with heavy fine dust, is eating pork belly an effective remedy? The health benefits of pork for heavy metal removal and respiratory health are worth a closer look.

Pork helps remove heavy metals and harmful substances

"Donguibogam," a traditional Korean medical text, notes that pork can help treat mercury poisoning and intoxication caused by mineral-based substances. Pork is known for its moisturizing properties for the skin and mucous membranes, which can enhance the ciliary movement of the bronchial tubes and help remove foreign substances from the respiratory tract.

According to a study conducted by the Korea Food Research Institute, workers in environments with a high risk of inhaling heavy metals and harmful substances, such as dental laboratories, engine parts factories and leather processing plants, showed reduced levels of lead and cadmium in their bodies after consuming pork two to three times a week.

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Pork fat does not wash away fine dust — but pork still helps

There is a common belief that eating grilled pork belly on days with heavy fine dust helps “wash away” pollutants through its fat. In reality, it is not just pork belly but all cuts of pork that are effective in supporting the body’s elimination of fine dust, regardless of cooking method.

Nutrients in pork such as zinc, selenium and amino acids help produce metallothionein, a metal-binding protein in the liver and kidneys. This protein plays a key role in aiding the excretion of heavy metals from the body.

Pork boosts immunity and helps fight fatigue

Pork is rich in vitamin B1, which combines with the allicin found in garlic and onions to form allithiamine. This compound increases the absorption of vitamin B1, promoting an active metabolism and helping relieve fatigue, which in turn strengthens immunity.

As an animal protein, pork is also rich in zinc and iron, essential components for immune cells, as well as nine essential amino acids including leucine and lysine. In particular, the high selenium content in pork supports the formation of immune antibodies, enhancing the body’s ability to fight viruses and improving overall immune function.

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Pork may also help prevent depression

Fine dust affects not only physical health but can also cause mild depression. Pork contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps relieve stress and improve mood. Pork provides about 250 milligrams of tryptophan per 100 grams — roughly 25 times more than bananas, which are often associated with stress relief and better sleep.

Tryptophan promotes the release of serotonin, often called the “happiness hormone,” which helps prevent depression. In addition, pork is rich in arachidonic acid, sometimes referred to as vitamin F, which can elevate mood, as well as vitamin B1, which helps calm the nervous system and ease depressive symptoms.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.