Although many people associate potatoes with the Irish, the country's cuisine includes many other hearty foods, such as bacon. Irish bacon, known as back bacon in the United States, is made from center-cut pork loin and can be paired with a wide number of foods, such as cabbage. Combining Irish bacon and cabbage provides a balanced meal of protein, carbohydrates and fat.
Calories
Irish bacon and cabbage is a relatively low-calorie meal, as 2 cups of cabbage with a 2-ounce serving of Irish bacon provides 148 calories. That amount constitutes about 7 percent of the daily recommended intake of 2,000 calories, so it can be a suitable meal for dieting. It would take less than 10 minutes of rollerblading or 12 minutes of jumping rope to burn 148 calories.
Protein
Irish bacon is a good source of protein, and a meal consisting of 2 ounces of Irish bacon and two cups of cabbage would provide a total of 14 grams of protein. Protein is essential for life because it provides your body with amino acids, which build and repair muscle, skin and tissues throughout your body.
Fat
Although cabbage is fat-free, Irish bacon is moderately high in fat. Thus, a 2-ounce serving of Irish bacon with 2 cups of cabbage contains a total of 6 grams of fat. Of that fat, 2 grams comes from saturated fat. Your body needs fat to absorb certain vitamins and to fill cells for insulation. Fat is the most calorie-dense nutrient, so overconsumption can promote obesity.
Carbohydrates
If you want to start a low-carbohydrate diet, you can still eat Irish bacon and cabbage. Each serving of 2 cups of cabbage and 2 ounces of Irish bacon contains just 10 grams of total carbohydrates.
Fiber
Although low in carbohydrates, Irish bacon and cabbage is a meal that provides fiber. Each serving of 2 ounces of Irish bacon and 2 cups of cabbage contains 6 grams of fiber, a nutrient involved in promoting digestive health and regular bowel movements.
Sodium
Irish bacon with cabbage contains a moderate amount of sodium; each serving of 2 cups of cabbage and 2 ounces of bacon contains 358 milligrams of sodium, or nearly 16 percent of the daily suggested intake of 2,300 milligrams. A sodium-rich diet can cause your body to retain too much fluid and may promote increased blood pressure.
References
- LIVESTRONG.COM MyPlate; Calories inUncured Irish Brand Bacon (Global Gourmet)
- LIVESTRONG.COM MyPlate: Calories in White Cabbage
- MayoClinic.com; Exercise for Weight Loss: Calories Burned in 1 Hour; December 2009
- MedlinePlus; Dietary Fats Explained; October 2010
- Colorado State University Extension; Dietary Fiber; J. Anderson, S. Perryman, L.Young and S. Prior; December 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Sodium: How to Tame Your Salt Habit Now; March 2011
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