The first day of summer is drawing near, the temperature is rising, and Memorial Day will soon arrive. This indicates to many to light the grill in order to prepare some hot dogs and hamburgers.
The NPD Group, a research firm, discovered that between May 2021 and May 2022, Americans consumed over 3.7 billion hot dogs—a mainstay at any ballgame or backyard BBQ.
So what’s the healthiest option while you’re in the shop buying your franks?
Are these hot dogs the healthiest?
Numerous wieners are available for selection. There are hot dogs consisting of turkey, beef, or even salmon in addition to the traditional ball game kind. There are plant-based dogs available for vegans and vegetarians as too.
Since hot dogs are usually eaten occasionally, they won’t have a significant negative effect on your general health. According to certified dietitian Chris Mohr, this means that it’s acceptable to go with what tastes the greatest to you.
However, Mohr recommends 100% beef hot dogs as a healthier choice because they have fewer additives than regular hot dogs.
Mohr declares, “I want a hot dog that tastes like a hot dog,” The sole ingredients in Applegate, a popular brand of 100% beef, are beef, water, and spices. “That’s kind of what I’m looking for – it still has that flavor that you’re used to from that cookout hot dog.”
Additionally, there are a few strategies to improve the health of your hot dog.
Toppings made of vegetables, such as kimchi, pickled onions, grilled onions, and sauerkraut, give your hot dog some added nourishment.
It’s crucial to sneak in vegetables whenever you can since, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just 10% of Americans consumed the recommended amount of vegetables each day in 2019.
Sauces are important for flavor, but they sometimes receive a bad name in diet culture for adding extra calories.
Don’t be afraid of them. In addition to being low in calories, fat, and sugar, mustard also includes selenium and magnesium, two elements vital to many bodily processes. Antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids found in mustard seeds also aid in preventing oxidative stress.
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Do hot dogs pose health risks?
Similar to any processed meat, hot dogs have higher sodium and fat content. Without a doubt, you shouldn’t consume them every day.
However, it’s unlikely that the typical American eats a hot dog for supper every night. The health effect is minimal if you grill them for supper once a few weeks or eat them during a baseball game sometimes, according to Mohr.
Hot dogs are a perfectly good protein when consumed in moderation, though there may be better options.
By serving your hot dog with fruits or veggies on the side, you may create a balanced meal.
Customers are especially concerned about the nitrates that are included in some hot dogs. These preservatives inhibit the growth of microorganisms and add color to processed meat.
Consuming a lot of processed meat is linked to a higher risk of cancer, which some attribute to the nitrates. Cooking nitrates at high temperatures can produce nitrosamine, a substance that causes cancer.
Nevertheless, research indicates that nitrates can also be found naturally in our bodies, in vegetables, and in water. These sources of nitrates can also somewhat lower blood pressure.
According to Food and Drug Administration guidelines, manufacturers must restrict the amount of nitrate in processed meats.
