Of all domesticated animals, swine are the most likely to consume a filthy diet, with pigs even inclined to eating excrement. Science has shown that pig meat is among the least healthy, if not the most unhealthy, to consume. Among the harmful agents found in pork are:
- Cholesterol and Fatty Acids - Pig meat is high in fat and cholesterol, which can lead to blocked arteries and heart problems. Pork also contains an unusual type of fatty acid which, once digested, can lead to increased cholesterol levels.
- Bacteria and Toxins - Pork meat more readily absorbs toxins than other types of meat. Since pork is digested more quickly by the human body than other types of meat, there is increased likelihood of transfer of toxins to the human body. In addition, findings presented at the 2001 Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in Chicago revealed that pork meat may contain antibiotic-resistant Enterococci bacteria, a cause of fatal food poisoning.
- Diseases - Pigs may be afflicted with a wide range of diseases, some of which can be passed on to humans. Swine flu, or H1N1, is just one example. The risk of disease is present whether handling live pigs or their carcasses.
- Parasites - A number of dangerous parasites may contaminate pig meat, including tape works, trichina worms, hook worms and round worms. These parasites are transferred to the human body after someone consumes contaminated pork, and may cause serious illness and even death. Some worms ingested through contaminated pig meat can even migrate to the human brain, where they burrow into the brain tissue and must be surgically removed.
Although science has shown there is good reason for the Islamic prohibition on pork, Muslims first and foremost adhere to their dietary laws because doing so an act of obedience to their Creator. There is no hardship in avoiding pork and pork by-products, while consuming the meat of swine clearly poses the possibility of serious health risks.
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