How do you get the Omega-3 and Selenium into your pork?
We introduce Omega-3 and organic Selenium naturally through feed, based on a specially formulated diet.
What exactly is Omega-3 and Selenium?
DHA EPA Omega-3 fatty acids (which the body cannot produce on its own) have been linked, in various international studies, to supporting the normal physical development of the brain, eyes and nerves. Since lack of these fatty acids leads to deficiency symptoms, and they can only be obtained from the diet, they are essential dietary nutrients.
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 Omega-3 and Selenium in my diet?
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. Together, they support 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?
Our pork tastes so tender and flavourful because we are committed to top quality. Our pigs, Topigs and Tempo, were chosen not only because of their hardiness to disease but also because they have more marbling which results in a more tender and flavourful end product. Also, adding Selenium to our product increases the shelf life and overall quality of the meat. Adding the Omegas and Selenium do not change the taste whatsoever, try it for yourself and see!
Are different levels of Omega-3 and organic Selenium recommended for pregnant women? How about children?
Studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids help in brain development of fetuses. Some research is also indicating that Omega-3 DHA may ease depression in pregnant women.
For more information on DHA/EPA Omega-3 research on pregnant woment, early child development, cardiovascular disease, mental disorders, cancers and other conditions, please visit www.dhaomega3.org.
If you are pregnant, it is important to have a discussion with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
Should breastfeeding women have Omega-3 and Selenium in their diet?
DHA is found naturally in breast milk, but some women may choose to make efforts to add more Omega-3 in their diet.
If you are breastfeeding, it is important to have a discussion with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
Is your product organic?
We use organic Selenium in our pork. There are stringent requirements for farmers to claim organic status and because our Omega-3 feed is not certified organic, we cannot make that claim, but we assure you our product is natural, local, home raised and free of growth promotants.
Can’t I get Omega-3 from healthier foods like fruit and vegetables?
It is possible to get Omega-3s from some vegetables and beans, but it is not as efficient as getting it from fish or meat sources because the body doesn’t absorb the nutrients as effectively. The Canada Food Guide recommends a balanced diet that is made up of a variety of meat, vegetables, grains and milk products. Pork is part of that recommended list.
Is there enough Omega-3 and Selenium in a portion to make a difference?
While no official recommendation exists as to how much Omega-3 is required for optimum health, it has been linked to supporting the normal physical development of the brain, eyes and nerves. Here is a chart that lists the percentages of Omega-3 and Selenium in our products:
| Total Omega-3* | DHA/EPA* | Selenium** | |
| Bacon | 27.133% | 24.666% | 70% |
| Pulled Pork | 12.93% | 18.0% | 70% |
| Wieners | 15.666% | 8.00% | 30% |
| Ham | 6.666% | 10.00% | 42% |
| Pork Chops | 25.333% | 29.333% | 110% |
| Cottage Roll | 23.266% | 28.00% | 76% |
| Sausage | 26.666% | 27.333% | 58% |
* Suggested total Omega-3 intake is 1100-1600 for mg/day for adults. DHA + EPA should be approx. 10% of total daily Omega-3 intake (i.e., 150 mg/day). |
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Are there other additives?
No, our pork is free of growth promotants.
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Where can consumers buy this pork? The Bauer Butcher, In Vincenzo's @ The Bauer Buildings, King & Allen St., Waterloo |
Can I also get it at my local supermarket?
We are the first pork producer in Ontario to enrich our product with Omega-3 and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and organic Selenium and because we have a premium product, we only sell through select distributors.
What was behind your decision to modify your pork?
Like most Canadians, we want only the best for our family. That means health, nutrition, quality and value. After losing our son to liver cancer, we were motivated to make our product as healthy as we could without sacrificing taste. In learning of some of the compelling human health research on Omega-3s and their possible impact on heart disease including certain types of cancers, we were compelled to begin working on a product that helps to fight disease to ensure our family and our customers have access to healthier choices. Eating fresh, home raised locally produced pork with added health benefits is a great way for families to be health-conscious and we wanted to be the first to offer this great product in Ontario.
Does it lose any of the nutrients when it’s frozen? How about if I BBQ it?
Our testing shows that freezing or BBQ the meat does not alter the amount of Omega-3 and Selenium in the product. It’s important not to keep pork products in the freezer for longer than six months to maintain optimum taste. It is also important to cook Willowgrove Hill DHA EPA Omega-3 and Selenium-enriched pork to an end temperature of 150F to 155F. Pork should be slightly pink in the centre.
What cuts do you offer?
We offer a full selection of cuts including pork chops, tenderloin, bacon and ribs. To see our menu, please click here.
I’ve heard pork is lean, is this true?
Yes it is. All fresh pork cuts, except spare ribs, qualify as “lean,” when trimmed of visible fat; that is, they contain less than 10% fat. In fact, a 90-gram serving of pork tenderloin has less cholesterol than a skinless chicken breast.
Are your pigs humanely raised?
We raise our pigs according to provincial standards and guidelines, which are among the highest in the world. We are proud to house them in state-of-the art barns that are extremely well-lit with natural lighting and are climate-controlled to meet the exact requirements of our pigs throughout their lifetime. We also incorporate modern air circulation to ensure ground heat and coolness are utilized, since air movement is essential for comfort and animal health. Our pigs are fed the best possible feed from two HCCAP-approved feed mills and are raised without antibiotics.