You may find pork burritos on the menu when you go to a Mexican or other Latin American restaurant. Pork burritos, which include a tortilla filled with pork and other fillings, can be delicious and satisfying meals. They provide a variety of essential nutrients, but may also be high in unhealthy components. For most people, pork burritos should be only an occasional treat as part of an overall healthy diet.
Ingredients and Calories
The nutrition information for a pork burrito depends on the ingredients and their quantities in the recipe. An 8-inch flour tortilla has 143 calories, while a 10-inch tortilla has 234 calories. A 3.5-ounce serving of 72 percent lean ground pork has 252 calories, but the same size serving of 96 percent lean pork has 121 calories. Additional fillings, such as rice, cheese, sour cream, guacamole and refried beans, increase the amount of calories in a pork burrito.
Carbohydrates and Protein
A 10-inch flour tortilla contributes 6 grams of protein, or 12 percent of the daily recommended value, and 40 grams of total carbohydrates, including 2.4 grams of dietary fiber, or 10 percent of the daily value. A 3.5-ounce serving of 72 percent lean ground pork has 23 grams of protein, and 96 percent lean ground pork has 21 grams. Meat is naturally free from carbohydrates. Rice is high in carbohydrates, and beans add extra carbohydrates and protein to a pork burrito.
Fat and Cholesterol
Before frying, a 10-inch flour tortilla has 5 grams of total fat, 1.3 grams of saturated fat, or 5 percent of the daily value, and no cholesterol. High-fat ground pork has 32 grams of total fat, 11 grams of saturated fat and 100 milligrams of cholesterol. Lean ground beef has 4 grams of total fat, 1 gram of saturated fat and 59 milligrams of cholesterol. Saturated fat and cholesterol raise levels of cholesterol in your blood and increase your risk for heart disease, according to MayoClinic.com. Lard used for frying a tortilla and refried beans, cheese and sour cream as toppings or fillings are other possible sources of cholesterol and saturated fat in a pork burrito.
Sodium and Other Nutrients
Mexican food can be high in sodium, which can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk for heart disease, according to the American Heart Association and MayoClinic.com. Bread products, such as tortillas, are sources of sodium. Meat is naturally low in sodium, but pork in a burrito may have a salty, high-sodium seasoning in it. Cheese, salsa and guacamole may also contribute sodium. Cheese is a good source of calcium, and pork is rich in thiamin and potassium. Tortillas made with enriched flour have B vitamins and iron.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Heart-Healthy Diet: 8 Steps to Prevent Heart Disease
- American Heart Association: Tips for Eating Mexican Food
- Department of Agriculture: Pork Products
- Department of Agriculture: Baked Products
- Food and Drug Administration: Food Labeling Guide: Appendix F: Calculate the Percent Daily Value for the Appropriate Nutrients
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