While eggs, fruit, and pastries are common breakfast and brunch items to enjoy on Easter Sunday, one of the most popular holiday proteins is ham
Whether cubed and added to a salad, thinly sliced for an omelet addition or enjoyed as the primary protein on your plate
Ham in all forms will make the menu for many families. Ham contains valuable nutrients and can be a convenient protein
According to the Farmers' Almanac, ham became a popular Easter food due to seasonality.
Pigs were slaughtered and cured in the fall, and by the time Spring came around, families were ready to finish off
Outside of timing, ham may be a popular Easter food because it is often purchased fully cooked, making it
A convenient option for family gatherings, and it is a lean protein packed with flavor.
3-ounces of cured ham contains 830 milligrams of sodium. For reference, the American Heart Association recommends adults consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium
per day, which means one serving of ham will provide over one-third of your total daily recommended intake!
With the concentration of sodium found in ham, one of the symptoms you may notice is water retention. Swelling or puffiness in the ankles
While it may be hard to take your rings off after a high sodium meal, your body will usually get rid of the excess sodium
However, this water retention can be much more serious for those with specific health conditions. For example, high sodium intake
Exacerbate water retention for those who have high blood pressure, further increasing the pressure in their vessels and leading to a higher risk of heart attack