Why enrich pork nutritionally with DHA/Omega-3?

Studies show that consumers understand that DHA Omega-3 fatty acids support normal physical development of the brain, eyes and nerves and are looking for sources of DHAthrough functional foods. Instead of taking nutritional supplement tablets people are looking for other ways to enhance their diets. Not everyone enjoys the taste of fish, so now there is an array of DHA/Omega-3 foods available, including Willowgrove Hill^® pork.

Are all Omega-3’s equal?

No. There are the two main types of omega-3 fatty acids:

• Short-chain omega-3 fatty acids are ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). These are found in plants, such as flaxseed. Though beneficial, ALA omega-3 fatty acids have less potent health benefits than EPA and DHA. You’d have to eat a lot to gain the same benefits as you do from marine oils. (There is a 0%-5% conversion of ALA to DHA in humans).
• Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These are plentiful in fish and shellfish.

DHA is the omega-3 fatty acid that is widely recognized as the essential fatty acid in the brain responsible for normal functioning of neural tissue (including cognitive performance, learning ability, memory, etc.) and in the retina of the eye for visual acuity. Almost all the omega-3 fatty acid found in brain tissue, where it is required for structure-function relationships, is in the form of DHA.
Willowgrove Hill^® pigs are fed a diet containing DHA Omega-3 (derived from human-grade fish oil). Many “source of Omega-3” food products simply add ALA Omega-3 from flax oil during food processing.

Does DHA/Omega-3 pork have a fishy taste?

While Willowgrove Hill^® DHA/EPA Omega-3 pork is enriched nutritionally with human-grade fish oil, it does not contain any “fishy” taste.

Have any competitors since entered the market?

Willowgrove Hill^® is the first and only producer in North America to deliver pork enriched nutritionally with DHA/EPA Omega-3 from human-grade fish oil. The swine diets responsible for nutritional enrichment of the pork are patent protected in Canada and the USA.

How do you get the DHA/EPA Omega-3 and organic selenium into your pork?

We introduce DHA/EPA Omega-3 and Organic Selenium naturally through feed, based on a specially formulated and patented diet.

What is organic selenium?

Selenium, a dietary antioxidant, is considered an essential trace element involved in the formation of a protein that defends against oxidative stress.

Why is it important to have DHA/EPA Omega-3 and organic selenium in my diet?

DHA/EPA Omega-3 fatty acids are recommended as essential nutrients for the maintenance of general health, normal growth and development. Selenium is an antioxidant considered an essential trace element in the human diet. DHA Omega-3 supports the normal physical development of the brain, eyes and nerves.

What makes willowgrove hill pork so delicious? Does it taste different because of the omegas and selenium?

Willowgrove Hill^® pork is tender and flavourful because we are committed to top quality genetics and a sound nutritional program. Willowgrove Hill^® pork has increased marbling levels, which results in a more tender and flavourful end product. Adding Selenium increases the shelf life and overall quality of the meat. The nutritional enrichment of Omega-3s and Selenium does not impact the taste profile.

Does the pork lose any of the nutritional qualities when it’s frozen? how about if I bbq it?

Extensive testing shows that freezing and/or barbequing the pork does not alter the amount of DHA/EPA Omega-3 nor Organic Selenium in the product. It is important not to keep pork products in the freezer for longer than six months to maintain optimum taste.

Are Willowgrove Hill pigs humanely raised?

All Willowgrove Hill^® pigs are raised according to provincial standards and guidelines, which are among the highest in the world. They are housed in state-of-the art barns that are extremely well-lit with natural lighting and are climate-controlled to meet the exact requirements of the pigs throughout their lifetime. Barns also incorporate modern air circulation methods to ensure ground heat and coolness are utilized, since air movement is essential for comfort and animal health. Willowgrove Hill^® pigs are fed the best possible feed from two HACCP-approved feed mills and are raised without the use antibiotics or growth promotants.