Why You Should Never Eat Hot Dogs
Who doesn’t love a good hot dog? They’re salty, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. In the US alone, we consume about 20 billion hot dogs every year!
Well, if you’re a fan of hot dogs, we’re sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Hot dogs are far from being a healthy food choice, but you probably already knew that. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the reasons why you might want to avoid eating them.
6 reasons why you shouldn’t eat hot dogs
1. Hot dogs are high in saturated fat and sodium
Hot dogs are notoriously high in saturated fat and sodium. Just one hot dog contains approximately 40% of your recommended daily intake of saturated fat.
Eating too much saturated fat can increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions. Sodium is also a concern when it comes to hot dogs. Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
2. Hot dogs are carcinogenic
Hot dogs, along with other processed meats like bacon and sausage, have been classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organization. This puts them in the same category as cigarettes and asbestos.
This means that there is strong evidence that they can cause cancer. In fact, studies have shown that eating hot dogs regularly can increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer by 16%.
3. Hot dogs have a low meat content
When you take a bite out of a hot dog, you might think that you’re mostly eating meat. However, the reality is that most hot dogs contain very little meat. Studies have shown that the average hot dog is only about 45% meat.
The other 55% is made up of water, fat, fillers, and other additives.
4. The “meat” in hot dogs is gross
If you’re still not convinced that hot dogs are unhealthy, then consider this: the “meat” in hot dogs is often made from the leftover parts of animals that are not used for human consumption.
According to Mashed.com, a study found that pork hot dogs were often made with yucky things like “bone, collagen, blood vessels, plant material, peripheral nerve, adipose tissue (fat), cartilage, and skin.”
Would you willingly eat any of those things? We think not.
5. Hot dogs contain harmful chemicals
In order to preserve hot dogs, many manufacturers add harmful chemicals like nitrates and nitrites. These chemicals have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Additionally, hot dogs often contain artificial coloring and flavoring agents, which have also been linked to health problems like cancer and allergic reactions.
6. They’re not very nutritious
Finally, it’s important to remember that hot dogs are not very nutritious food. They’re high in calories and low in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
This means that, even though you might feel satisfied after eating a hot dog, your body isn’t getting the nourishment it needs.
Conclusion
The things we enjoy eating the most are often the worst for our health. Hot dogs are no exception. Giving them up won’t be easy, but it’s definitely worth it for your health.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to hot dogs, we recommend trying veggie dogs. They’re made from plant-based ingredients and are usually free of harmful chemicals. Plus, they can be just as delicious!