Hot dogs are a summertime staple—it’s hard to go to a baseball game or a barbecue without coming across at least one party where someone is grilling these meat sticks. However, while hot dogs may be well-loved, many of us are aware that hot dogs are pretty high on the “not so healthy” list. What many of us don’t know is why — and whether there’s any kind of hot dog that’s probably a little better for you.
Here’s what the experts say.
Why do hot dogs have such a bad reputation?
There are many different types of hot dogs on the market (including vegan ones), but let’s talk about the most traditional type, which is a mixture of meat, spices, flavorings and preservatives. Different brands use different ingredients for their products, but traditionally, hot dogs are made from pork or a combination of beef and pork. (The fact that hot dogs are a bit of a mystery meat doesn’t exactly help their cause.)
Dietitian Michelle Routhenstein tells Yahoo Life that there are several reasons why hot dogs get a bad rap — and that’s because of their “high sodium content, saturated fat, and highly processed preservatives.”
The methods used to make hot dogs typically include curing and smoking, which can lead to the formation of nitrosamines, Routhenstein says. Nitrosamines are carcinogens — substances linked to cancer and heart disease because they cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, she says. Oxidative stress can lead to cell and tissue damage.
One study found that people who consumed about 5 ounces of processed meat (or less than two hot dogs) per week had a 46% greater risk of heart disease and a 50% higher risk of mortality compared to those who who do not eat processed meat. Routhenstein notes. A standard hot dog is approximately 1.5 ounces.
Hot dogs also fall into the category of processed meats along with bacon, sausages, ground beef and biltong or beef. “Animal-based hot dogs are classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization, which means the scientific evidence that they cause cancer is as strong as smoking and asbestos,” says nutritionist Kaytee Hadley. for Yahoo Life.
Are there healthier hot dog options?
If you’re wary of traditional hot dogs, you might think turkey dogs are a better alternative. But that’s not the case, says Hadley. “Eating red meat is worse for human health than poultry in many ways, but that’s not true of processed meats like hot dogs,” she says. “The negative impacts are mainly due to the way the meat is processed, not just the animal the meat comes from. The studies linking processed meat to cancer included poultry, so while you’re likely getting less saturated fat, all the other risk factors are still there.
Hadley says vegan hot dogs, such as those made by Impossible Foods, may be a better alternative because “when plants are processed and cooked, they don’t produce the same high levels of toxic compounds that animal meat does.”
Many plant-based alternatives are also lower in saturated fat and sodium, she says, and contain no cholesterol. “Take Impossible hot dogs, for example, which have 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 50% less saturated fat and 45% less total fat than an animal-based hot dog,” says Hadley, “as well as 12 grams of protein per serving . “
Can you eat hot dogs in moderation?
Experts are divided on this. Hadley suggests that people limit hot dog consumption to “only special occasions, a few times a year,” because of the cancer risk associated with eating processed meat, while Routhenstein suggests only having hot dogs a once a month or less.
However, dietitian Stephanie Van’t Zelfden tells Yahoo Life that she prefers that her clients take a moderate approach with their diets and says that hot dogs can “absolutely” be part of a “nutritious and healthy diet.” balanced”.
“I would consider a ‘healthy’ hot dog to be the hot dog you like,” she explains. “Don’t feel like you have to choose a turkey or plant-based hot dog if you don’t like them — you’ll just look for something else to eat because you won’t be full.”
Instead, she suggests including some healthy additions to your hot dog meal. For example, you can “top it with vegetables like a Chicago-style dog, or a portion of fruit, vegetables, or a whole grain to get extra nutrition with your hot dog.”
Routhenstein says it’s ultimately about “balancing the plate.” While a hot dog can fit in on occasion, she recommends focusing on “lean protein and complex carbohydrates” for most of your meals.
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