Key Takeaways: Hot sausages are a good source of protein and essential vitamins, but watch out for high sodium and calorie content. Enjoy them in moderation and balance with healthier food choices. Hot sausages are versatile and delicious, but be mindful of additives and preservatives.
Some sausage is high in saturated fat.
Depending on the type of sausage you buy, you may also be consuming a high amount of saturated fat. The USDA says an average link of sausage (which typically contains ground pork, beef, or a combination) may have 13 grams of saturated fat. The AHA would say this is the exact limit of saturated fat you should allow yourself to have in a day if you are following a 2,000 calorie diet. Saturated fat consumption should only account for 5% to 6% of your calories in order to keep your cholesterol and blood pressure low.
Too much saturated fat in a day can cause a myriad of issues. Not only does it contribute to weight gain, but it can also increase your “bad” LDL cholesterol, which results in an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
So if you plan on grilling up some sausages this summer, be mindful of how much you plan on consuming.
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You’ll consume a lot of sodium.
Most sausage products are incredibly high in sodium, and eating a diet high in sodium can do enough damage on your health alone. One study published by JAMA showed how a diet higher in sodium can increase the risk of cardiovascular events and heart disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) says you shouldnt go over 2,300 milligrams of sodium in a day, with an ideal limit of 1,500 milligrams in order to avoid high blood pressure, which is a crucial factor for your heart health.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
According to the USDA, on average, a normal link of sausage (around 4 oz.) can have upwards of 900 milligrams in it after processing. To put this in perspective, 4 oz. of cooked chicken breast has less than 100 milligrams.
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FAQ
Is hot sausage good for a diet?
Is sausage good or bad for health?
What is the healthiest sausage?
Is sausage healthier than hotdogs?
Is sausage good for You?
Just like flavors and uses of sausage can vary, so can the healthfulness of this processed meat. Some brands are so high in saturated fat and sodium, that you’d be close to your daily limit by the time you finish breakfast. So if you eat sausage regularly, it’s important to be sure you’re choosing the best sausage brand for your health.
Is sausage casing healthier option to eat?
Cellulose casings and some natural casings are perfectly fine to eat. Sausage casings are used to hold and shape filling inside so that it can be cooked. There are natural sausage casings and synthetic varieties, and most of them are edible. The healthiest way to cook them is by boiling or baking. Sausages provide high levels of vitamin B12 and iron, both of which are essential for healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin production.
Which type of sausage is healthier?
Type of meat: Sausage is traditionally made from pork, which is typically high in saturated fat and calories. But those of us looking for a healthier sausage can choose options like turkey or chicken sausage, which tends to be lower in saturated fat and higher in protein per sausage, explains Jamie Nadeau, RDN, of The Balanced Nutritionist.
Is Italian sausage good for You?
One link of Italian sausage is rich in vitamins B12, B1 (thiamine) and B3 (niacin). In general, B vitamins help your body create energy from the food you eat and help form red blood cells, per the U.S. National Library of Medicine. One link of Italian sausage provides 41 percent of the DV of vitamin B12.