What is this food?
Suckling pork spleen (pork organ meat). This is a protein-rich viand made from young pork, including the spleen.
Why it matters to health
Organ meats like spleen can be nutrient-dense and helpful for meeting protein needs, especially when you’re building balanced meals (3 full meals plus 1–2 snacks a day). In this serving (100 g), it has about 105 kcal and 4.2 g total fat, with 1.39 g saturated fat. It’s also high in cholesterol (589 mg) and has sodium (84 mg). So it’s best to enjoy it in reasonable portions and not every day, while pairing it with fiber-rich sides (like vegetables) to support overall meal balance.
Healthier tips
- Keep portions small: aim for about 1/2 to 1 palm-sized serving per meal, then add lots of vegetables.
- Balance the plate: pair with non-starchy veggies (e.g., kangkong, pechay, okra) and a sensible amount of rice or other carbs.
- Watch frequency: include it occasionally rather than daily, especially if you have high cholesterol or heart-related risk.
- Go easy on salty cooking: if it’s stewed or seasoned, choose lighter seasoning or reduce added salt.
- For snacks, choose lighter options (fruit, yogurt, or nuts in small portions) so your day stays balanced.
Common Filipino dishes
Sinigang na baboy (with organ), Lechon kawali, Dinuguan (blood stew), Pork adobo (with offal), Sisig (with pork parts)