Nutritional Information For Baked Pork Chops

Pork chops come from the leanest and most tender part of the pig. However, when compared to other sources of protein, pork chops are still high in fat and saturated fat. Knowing the nutrition information for a serving of baked pork chops can help you make adjustments to your diet to fit them in.

Calories

A 3.5 oz. serving of a baked pork chop cooked on the bone contains 185 calories. By comparison, the same size serving of a baked chicken breast contains 165 calories. As a more concentrated source of calories, pork chops cost you more calories to satisfy your appetite than baked chicken. This can make it harder for you to maintain a healthy weight.

Protein and Carbohydrates

Baked pork chops are a good source of protein, with 21 g per 3.5 oz. serving, and carbohydrate free. One serving of the baked pork chops meets 42 percent of your daily value for protein. The percentage of daily value is based on a 2,000-calorie diet for healthy adults. In addition to being high in protein, the baked pork chop is also a complete source of protein because it supplies your body with all of your essential amino acids in sufficient amounts. Your body uses the amino acids in the pork chops to form the proteins in your muscles, cells and organs.

Fat

Although considered a lean cut of meat, most of the calories in the baked pork chop -- about 50 percent -- come from its fat content. A 3.5 oz. serving contains 11 g of total fat, 4 g of saturated fat and 61 mg of cholesterol. One pork chop meets 20 percent of your daily value for saturated fat, making it a high saturated-fat food. High intakes of saturated fat increase blood cholesterol levels and your risk of heart disease.

Sodium

Baked pork chops also contribute to your daily sodium intake. A 3.5 oz. serving contains 295 mg of sodium, meeting 12 percent of your daily value. Consuming too much sodium throughout the day increases your risk of developing high blood pressure. You should aim to limit your daily intake to less than 2,300 mg a day.

Vitamins and Minerals

Baked pork chops can help you meet your daily vitamin and mineral needs, and are a good source of vitamin B. A 3.5 oz. serving meets 4 percent of your daily iron needs, 33 percent of your daily thiamine needs, 12 percent of your daily riboflavin needs, 18 percent of your daily vitamin B-6 needs, 5 percent of your daily magnesium needs and 12 percent of your daily zinc needs.