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Health15 December 2025· 1 min read· Updated

Pork Rind, a Traditional Food Beneficial to Seniors' Health During the Cold Season

Nutritionist Mihaela Bilic explains the benefits of pork crackling for older adults: a source of collagen, protein and moderate calories.

Pork Rind, a Traditional Food Beneficial to Seniors' Health During the Cold SeasonFoto ilustrativă

A traditional Romanian food may offer significant health benefits for elderly people during the cold season. Şorici — specially prepared pork rind — is a valuable source of nutrients for the ageing body.

Nutrition specialists point out that when prepared correctly, through singeing and trimming away the fat, this food contains a substantial amount of collagen that is compatible with the human body. For seniors dealing with age-related joint or skin problems, collagen can help maintain the health of both skin and joints.

Nutritional values suited to the needs of older adults

Properly prepared şorici contains less than 10% fat and around 20% protein, making it suitable for the restricted diets that elderly people often follow. At approximately 160 calories per 100 grams in its trimmed form, it can be incorporated into a balanced diet for seniors.

This traditional snack lends itself well to classic Romanian dishes such as piftie (meat jelly) or tobă (a type of head cheese) — familiar foods for older generations and an established part of family culinary tradition.

Consumption recommendations for seniors

Although beneficial, specialists caution that şorici cannot replace the main protein sources in a daily diet. For elderly people with digestive or cardiovascular conditions, moderate consumption is advised, along with consultation with a GP.

During the winter holiday season, when culinary traditions take on a special significance for the senior generation, şorici can make a worthwhile addition to the meal, enjoyed alongside warm traditional drinks.

Content paraphrased and adapted by SeniorHelp from verified public sources.

Original source: Realitatea