If you're looking to maintain a healthy diet or lose weight, keeping track of the nutritional content of the foods you eat is essential. One food that is commonly consumed, especially in sandwiches or as a breakfast side, is baked ham. One slice of baked ham, weighing 28 grams, has approximately 30 calories.

But what else is in baked ham? Let's take a closer look at its nutritional value.

In this article, we'll explore the nutrients, vitamins and minerals present in baked ham. We'll also examine the protein, carbohydrate, and fat content, as well as the sodium and cholesterol levels. Furthermore, we'll highlight the potential benefits of consuming baked ham in moderation.

Calories in Baked Ham

As we noted in the introduction, a single slice of baked ham contains approximately 30 calories. While this may seem like a negligible amount, it can quickly add up if you consume multiple slices or add other ingredients. For example, a ham and cheese sandwich can easily contain 300-400 calories depending on the serving size and type of bread used. As with any food, it's important to keep an eye on your overall calorie intake and portion sizes.

Nutrients in Baked Ham

In addition to its calorie content, baked ham is a source of several key micronutrients. These include vitamins B6, B12, and niacin, as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, and phosphorus. These micronutrients play important roles in various bodily functions, including the transport of oxygen, the production of energy, and the maintenance of healthy bones. However, as we'll see in the next few sections, baked ham is also a source of sodium and saturated fat, which can be detrimental to health if consumed in excess.

Protein content of Baked Ham

One of the main benefits of consuming baked ham is its protein content. One slice contains approximately 4 grams of protein. Protein is essential for maintaining and repairing various tissues in the body, including muscle tissue. It also plays important roles in immune function and hormone regulation. While baked ham can be a good source of protein, it's important to keep in mind its sodium and saturated fat content, which we'll discuss in the next sections.

Baked Ham and Sodium level

Baked ham is a processed meat product, and as such, it tends to be high in sodium. One slice of baked ham can contain up to 270 milligrams of sodium. While sodium is an essential nutrient that plays important roles in bodily functions such as fluid balance and nerve function, excessive intake can lead to high blood pressure and other negative health effects. To reduce your sodium intake, it's important to be mindful of your portion sizes and to choose lower-sodium options when possible.

Carbohydrate content in Baked Ham

Baked ham is a low-carbohydrate food, with most slices containing less than 1 gram of carbohydrates. While carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body, it's not necessary to consume large amounts of them, particularly if you're trying to lose weight or maintain a low-carb diet.

Vitamins in Baked Ham

Baked ham is a good source of several vitamins, particularly B vitamins such as B6 and B12. These vitamins play important roles in various bodily functions, including the production of energy and the maintenance of healthy brain function. In addition to B vitamins, baked ham also contains vitamins A and E, which are important for immune function and antioxidant protection, respectively.

Minerals in Baked Ham

In addition to its vitamin content, baked ham is a source of several important minerals, including iron, zinc, and phosphorus. These minerals play important roles in various bodily functions, including the transport of oxygen, immune function, and bone health. While baked ham can be a good source of these minerals, it's important to keep in mind its sodium and saturated fat content, which can be detrimental to health if consumed in excess. As with any food, it's important to balance the potential benefits with the potential drawbacks.

Fat content of Baked Ham

Baked ham is a source of both saturated and unsaturated fats. One slice of baked ham contains approximately 1.5 grams of fat, of which approximately 0.5 grams are saturated. While fat is an important nutrient that plays important roles in various bodily functions, excessive intake of saturated fat can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. To reduce your intake of saturated fat, it's important to limit your consumption of high-fat and processed meat products, such as baked ham.

Baked Ham and Cholesterol level

Baked ham is a source of cholesterol, with one slice containing approximately 10 milligrams. While cholesterol is an essential nutrient that plays important roles in various bodily functions, excess intake can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease. To reduce your intake of cholesterol, it's important to limit your consumption of high-cholesterol foods, such as baked ham.

Benefits of Baked Ham

Baked ham is a good source of protein, which is important for maintaining and repairing various tissues in the body. In addition, baked ham is a source of several important vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health and wellbeing. However, it's important to be mindful of its sodium and saturated fat content, which can be detrimental to health if consumed in excess.