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 a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and certain cancers – and to lowering blood pressure and supporting the normal development of the eyes, brain and nerves.
Selenium is a trace mineral that is linked to a strengthened immune system. Selenium is also known to have antioxidant properties found to reduce the risks of breast, colon and prostate cancers, heart disease and the effects of Alzheimer’s.
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 help with cancer prevention and support the normal development of the brain, eyes and nerves. Omega-3 and Selenium also aid in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease and promote proper immune function.
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 makes our product more moist and delicious. 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.
Babies that intake Omega-3 fatty acids seem to have an edge on early development and it can also help sleeping and concentration.
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 normal fetal development and the prevention of cancer and heart disease. 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 for adults is 1,500 mg/day. DHA + EPA should be approx. 10% of total daily Omega-3 intake (i.e., 150 mg/day). Values are estimated. |
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Are there other additives?
No, our pork is free of growth promotants.
Where can consumers buy this pork?
We sell directly off the website and from our farmgate store in Mitchell.
Grocery stores that carry our product include:
Culinarium, Toronto
Deerhurst Resort, 1235 Deerhurst Drive, Huntsville
Remark Fresh Markets, 1180 Oxford Street West, London
Stephen’s Butcher Shop, 8 Harris Street, Port Carling
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. We were impressed by the links between Omegas and cancer and heart disease prevention and began working on a product that helps to fight this disease to ensure our family and our customers had access to healthy 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.