10 Pig’s Blood Health Benefits That Will Surprise You

Pig’s blood, sometimes referred to as blood tofu, is used as an ingredient in many cuisines around the world. But this sanguine snack offers more than just unique flavor. Pig’s blood provides substantial nutrients and bioactive compounds that can transform your health.

How is Pig’s Blood Consumed?

Pig’s blood can be consumed in a variety of ways:

• Soups – Pig blood soup is a common dish in many Asian and European cuisines. The blood is cooked with vegetables, noodles, meat and seasoning to create a hearty soup.
• Sausage – Blood sausage and black pudding incorporate cooked pig’s blood with fat, fillers and spices then stuffed into casings. This iron-rich food can be grilled, fried or baked.
• Jellied – To make blood jellies, pig’s blood is cooked while stirring to allow the proteins to coagulate into a jelly-like texture then chilled in jars. Jellied blood can be served cold or incorporated into other dishes.
• Supplements – Dried, powdered pig’s blood can be consumed in capsule or tablet form as a supplement to obtain its nutrients in convenient doses.
• Raw – In some cases, pig’s blood from a trusted source is consumed raw or just lightly cooked, mixed into drinks or sauces. This ensures no nutrients are lost during cooking.

Pig’s blood has a mild, slightly metallic taste. When mixed with spices, vegetables and other ingredients, it takes on the flavors it is cooked with. Thanks to its versatility, pig’s blood can be enjoyed in many forms to reap its unique nutritional benefits.

Pig’s Blood Health Benefits

1. Abundant in Protein

Pig’s blood contains over 12 grams of protein per 100 grams, providing all 9 essential amino acids required for building and repairing tissues, muscles, bones and cells.

2. High in Iron

Just a small amount of pig’s blood supplies up to 31mg of iron, significantly more than beef liver or spinach. This supports increased red blood cell production and oxygen transport.

3. Source of Vitamin C

Pig’s blood delivers 43% of the daily recommended Vitamin C to optimize immune function, boost collagen formation, and act as an antioxidant.

4. Provides B Vitamins

It contains substantial amounts of B vitamins including B12, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin that assist cellular energy production, DNA formation, neurotransmitter synthesis, and red blood cell creation.

5. Supplies Zinc & Selenium

Pig blood offers trace minerals zinc and selenium which strengthen immunity, thyroid function, reproductive health, and antioxidant activity in the body.

6. Contains Amino Acids

All 8 essential amino acids plus 11 non-essential amino acids are present in pig’s blood, enabling tissue growth and the synthesis of hormones, antibodies, enzymes and neurotransmitters.

7. May Lower Blood Pressure

Bioactive peptides in pig’s blood demonstrate potential antihypertensive effects that inhibit ACE and reduce high blood pressure levels.

8. Rich in CoQ10

Up to 10 times more Coenzyme Q10 is found in pig’s blood compared to pork muscle. CoQ10 acts as a potent antioxidant that benefits heart health and energy levels.

9. Helps Improve Sleep

The substantial tryptophan content in pig’s blood may help induce relaxation, balance circadian rhythms and promote more restful sleep.

10. Supports Blood Health

Pig blood’s vitamins, minerals and proteins team up to optimize circulation, blood cell production, oxygen transport and blood clotting function.

While pig’s blood may seem like an unconventional superfood, it packs a nutritional punch with ample protein, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Adding some sanguine snacks into your diet can nourish your body from the inside out.