A grilled pork chop can be low in saturated fat and still contain a large amount of protein. The American Dietetic Association states that a pork chop can be considered a lean cut of meat. One pork chop is about 5 to 6 ounces in weight, and contains vitamins and minerals, too, but no carbohydrates.
Protein
One pork chop contains about 40 grams of protein. Proteins are needed to build and maintain body tissues, antibodies and some types of hormones. They also act as enzymes that regulate the speed of biochemical reactions. Adult males need about 56 grams of protein per day, and adult females need about 46 grams of protein per day; however, the requirement can vary based upon body size and health condition.
Fats
One grilled pork chop contains about 17 grams of fat. About 5.5 grams are saturated, 6.5 grams are monounsaturated, and 2 grams are polyunsaturated. You can reduce the amount of fat by trimming any visible fat from the pork chop before placing it on the grill. Adults need from 20 to 35 grams of total fat per day.
B Vitamins
A grilled pork chop has 0.94 milligrams of thiamin, 0.27 milligrams of riboflavin, 12.8 milligrams of niacin, 1 milligram of pantothenic acid, 1 milligram of vitamin B-6, and 0.93 micrograms of vitamin B-12. B vitamins are needed to convert the foods you eat into energy and for normal nerve and muscle function, and blood cell production. Adults need about 1.1 to 1.2 milligrams of thiamin, 1.1 to 1.3 milligrams of riboflavin, 14 to 16 milligrams of niacin, 5 milligrams of pantothenic acid, 1.3 to 1.7 milligrams of vitamin B-6, and 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B-12 each day.
Minerals
A grilled pork chop contains 3.36 milligrams of zinc, 68.5 milligrams of selenium, 1.24 milligrams of iron, 39 milligrams of magnesium, and 540 milligrams of potassium. Minerals are needed for a variety of biochemical reactions to occur, for strong bones and teeth, normal blood pressure, regular muscle and nerve function and for red blood cell formation. Adults need about 8 to 11 milligrams of zinc, 55 milligrams of selenium, 8 to 18 milligrams of iron, 320 to 420 milligrams of magnesium, and 4,700 milligrams of potassium daily.
References
- Institutes of Medicine; Dietary Reference Intakes - Electrolytes and Water; 2004
- Institutes of Medicine; Dietary Reference Intakes - Elements; 2001
- U.S. Department of Agriculture; National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
- Institutes of Medicine; Dietary Reference Intakes - Vitamins; 2001
- Institutes of Medicine; Dietary Reference Intakes - Macronutrients; 2005
- American Dietetic Association; What Is Meant by the Term 'Lean Cuts of Meat?'
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