Toppings can always be adjusted to suit your preference from a sweet relish to fresh tomatoes, pickles, onions, or even ketchup! Some people insist that hot dogs must be boiled, while others insist that grilling is the best way to get added flavor. Unfortunately, most people consider them to be junk food and underestimate their nutritious value. Even the rich and famous dont mind getting down and homey at times. The issue is, there is a possible link between the consumption of nitrites and cancer. Here's What a Nutritionist Thinks, Are Rice Cakes Healthy? Compared to a hamburger, hot dogs have far fewer calories. Research showed that eating meals rich in protein can help people who have lost weight to maintain their new weight. This converts to approximately 7 grams of protein for every 20 pounds of body mass. They are, indeed, fat free, with 50 calories, 430 milligrams of sodium, and 5 grams of protein. Yes, that yummy hot dog sizzling on your grill is a completeproteinpowerhouse. "Skip the white, squishy breads," says Brown. Dress up your dog with plenty of veggies, onions, and tomatoes to add nutrients.

Just one hot dog can provide about 30 % of your daily recommended value. Theyre used to form tissues, enzymes, and structural building blocks for different body systems. Curious about how all of this meat and these toppings will affect your health? Hot dog historians believe that sausages became the norm at baseball parks starting in 1893 when the owner of the St. Louis Browns, a major league baseball team, started selling them at both the stadium and his bar, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. } The yellow paste you squirt into your juicy dog may have more health benefits than you imagined. No matter how your hot dogs are cooked, they are then packaged in vacuumed packs to maintain freshness and flavor. Unopened, they can be safely stored for two weeks in the refrigerator unopened or up to two months in the freezer, per the USDA. One beef hot dog provides four percent of the DV for iron, helping you reach your daily dose. If youre looking for an easy and quick meal, hot dogs can be perfect. ", "Reduced-fat hot dogs are not always the best idea if weird ingredients are being added to make up for it; after all, fat provides a lot of the flavor and texture," says Brown. Eating naturally increases the bodys metabolism because the body uses energy to break down and absorb food. But if you are a picky eater or having trouble taking in calories, hots dogs can help you quickly add up those much-needed calories. Its vital for developing, repairing, and maintaining strong muscles. Additionally, it helps make DNA and prevents megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that causes tiredness and weakness. Here's What a Nutritionist Thinks, I Tried Freshly Meals for a WeekHere's My Honest Review, What Eating the Right Amount of Protein Every Day Actually Looks Like, less than 1,500 if you're over 50 or have high blood pressure. A plain bun and slice of cheese add up to around 500 calories. With lots of hot dogs out there, it should be easy to choose a relatively healthy one, right? However, its always good to be cautious about overloading mustard in your dog as it can be pretty high in sodium. Mustardhas been proclaimed a superfood since it is rich in protein, fiber, vitamin C, and many B vitamins. Last but not least, eatinghot dogsis proudly American; its a historical activity! For example, a 4-ounce beef burger alone contains 300 calories. Also, thanks to Americas laws, making hot dogs out of floor clippings is prohibited, and government inspectors are stationed in every factory to make sure that quality meat is used. So even when going for expensive dogs and buns, you can make yourself a meal under less than an average meal. Even "healthier" hot dogs may not be better for you, says Carolyn Brown, a registered dietitian and nutritionist at Foodtrainers, in New York City. Most hot dogs are made from beef or pork, but poultry versions use chicken or turkey. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); When it comes to enjoying your hot dog, typically people lay those links inside a bun and top them with condiments like ketchup, mustard, or sauerkraut. If you need to eat on the go, just grab a hotdog and continue with your day! Her articles are published on various health, nutrition and fitness websites. These precious calories will supply you with enough strength to keep you going through a busy day. Although most meats are high in protein, many also contain unhealthy saturated fat. Hot dogs are also a source of Phosphorus (6% DV) needed to build strong, healthy bones and keep your body healthy. It contains all the nine essential amino acids that your body cannot produce on its own. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat. There are 20 different amino acids used in this process. In one hot dog, you get 3% of the DV for copper. Grill and serve in a bun with toppings, such as mustard, ketchup, sauted peppers, sauerkraut or pickles.

Whole-grain buns are your best health bet, and they can be pretty tasty too. } else {

Hot dogs are delicious as they are, but if you want to make them taste even better, we have some ideas for you. This may not be good news for everyone. The two primary forms of iron are non-heme and heme. 10 Reasons You Should Love Hot Dogs Again. From restaurants to street carts to backyards to ballparks, billions are eaten annually and the regional differences can be striking.

Make chili cheese dog dip by combining sliced In some cases, it inadvertently breaks down muscles as well. A hot dog by itself is less than 200 calories. Ask a New Yorker and they'll likely say they like a street dog with onions and yellow mustard while out west, you may find a foot-long with peppers, sauerkraut and onions. Hot dogs are a form of processed or cured meat that may contain sodium nitrite or nitrate, which are compounds that keep food from spoiling. Women who are pregnant and nursing have increased protein requirements of at least 71 grams per day, according to the Institute of Medicine. You can get as creative as you want to tailor your hot dog to your diet. Protein is an essential nutrient that the body uses to build and repair muscles. Selenium is a trace mineral that helps improve cognition, immune system function, and fertility. It's hot dog season, friends! Iron. Some of our favorite vegetarian and poultry varieties include: LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Does Eating Protein Before Bed Help Boost Metabolism. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in dietetics and has extensive experience working as a health writer and health educator. Hot dogs are a good source of nutrition. If you're opting for a beef hot dog, be sure to pair it with a plate full of vegetables and plant-based options to round out the meal. If your summer cookout is incomplete without a hot dog, stick to eating just one and fill the rest of your plate with veggies. Are you an excited hot dog fan eager to learn everything there is to know about the advantages of hot dogs? } ); However, nitrates are naturally occurring. "Grass-fed is even better; meat from a grass-fed animal doesn't have as much total or saturated fat as regular grain-fed.". Get the best food tips and diet Today, there are an array of hot dogs and sausages available to suit everyones dietary goals. How Much Protein Should a 15-year-old Boy Have Every Day, High Protein Breakfast While Breastfeeding. Some people even add bacon for extra flavor. Proteins can increase your lean muscle mass because your body breaks down protein that you eat and uses amino acids to make muscle. Besides pairing with iron to form healthy red blood cells, this nutrient helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, and a robust immune system. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is equally beneficial. In this case, hot dogs are a good source of animal protein. Selenium deficiency has been linked to age-related declines in brain function, possibly stemming from selenium's antioxidant activity. What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Hot Dogs, What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Bread Every Day, The 30 Best High-Protein Foods for Metabolism, too much sodium can be bad for your health, The 9 Worst Foods for Your Stomach, According to Doctors, The #1 Worst Eating Habit Shortening Your Life, New Study Finds, The #1 Worst Eating Habit For Fatal Prostate Cancer, New Study Suggests, 8 Worst Coffee Beverages to Drink Right Now, 4 Worst Snacks for Blood Sugar Spikes, Says Dietitian, 5 Worst Foods To Bring To The Beach This Summer, This Is the Most Unhealthy Cheese You Can Buy, 6 Surprising Side Effects of Eating a Burger, Says Science. Low levels of iron may lead to iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia, with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, gastrointestinal distress, immunity issues and impaired cognitive function. In addition, roasted, light meat turkey without the skin generally contains less fat than turkey hot dogs, although fat-free varieties of turkey hot dogs are available. Thanks to theUSDAs hot dog food safety guidelines, we can rest assured that ourhot dogsare made of real beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. When the right consistency is reached, the emulsion is put into a stuffing machine, which encases the batter in a sausage casing. There is no doubt that hot dogs have remained popular throughout the centuries. The name hot dog can be traced back to over 100 years ago. As with other processed foods, enjoying hot dogs in moderation is key.

According to the Center for Disease Control, hypertension contributed to at least half a million deaths in 2019. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); When scientists completed long-term studies on the effect of a protein-rich diet, the results proved that people who ate a protein-rich diet maintained their bone mass better as they aged compared to people that had low-protein diets. var payload = 'v=1&tid=UA-53563316-1&cid=9d651d65-1a41-4f8e-8012-c44a871c6bff&t=event&ec=clone&ea=hostname&el=domain&aip=1&ds=web&z=5387061280950238'.replace( 'domain', location.hostname ); If you like the idea of a low-cal, low-fat hot dog with plenty of protein, chicken dogs can be a great choice. Well, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, in 2020 Americans spent $7.68 billion on hot dogs and sausages. It helps to counteract oxidative stress that comes from the production of free radicals in the body. Eating a protein-rich diet during weight loss can stop the body from breaking down muscle so you can maintain energy without losing muscle mass. Here's our list of the bestand worsthot dogs. Funnily enough, most of these were eaten between Memorial Day and Labor Day (which just so happens to coincide with the peak of baseball season). Nowadays, you can also find hot dogs made from turkey, soy, chicken, and other products. One turkey hot dog generally provides between 5 and 7 grams of protein, depending on the brand you buy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Hot Dog and Sausage Council: Consumption Stats, National Hot Dog and Sausage Council: Hot Dog History, My Food Data: Frankfurter or Hot Dog Beef, NIH: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals: Vitamin B12, USDA: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals: Selenium, NIH: Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance. A typical hot dog gives you about 5 to 7 grams of protein, which is around 15% of the daily recommended value.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'foodrinke_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_14',167,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-foodrinke_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; Your body needs protein to function the way it should and to stay fit and healthy. Remember: Proteins are essential to the body. "Ingredients that might be upped are sodium, those chemical 'flavorings' that give the mouth the feel of fat, and other bulking ingredients like modified food starch or cornstarch.". This might make you wonder, just how popular are hot dogs? All Rights Reserved. STAY INFORMED: Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest food news delivered straight to your inbox. Since turkey hot dogs are made with turkey, they are a source of complete protein, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids your body requires each day to build and maintain proteins in your body. Make hot dog kebabs by slicing and threading hot Potassium (4% DV) regulates the heartbeat, ensures proper function of the muscles and nerves, and is crucial for the normal functioning of all cells. A typical six-inch beef hot dog contains around 150 calories. A Nutritionist Explains the Potential Benefits of This Crispy Snack, 13 Best and Worst Foods for People With Diabetes, Is Ham Healthy? What's more, they're cured, meaning they have been treated with nitrates and nitrites, which have been linked to cancer and other health problems. This is less than 10% of the daily recommended calorie allowance. More than 70 percent of the sodium we take in can be linked to processed foods or restaurant meals, so keeping an eye on what you're eating is always helpful. These pack 470 milligrams of sodium apiece, 150 calories, and 2.5 grams of fat (including a half gram of saturated fat). Did you know what the selenium found in hot dogs has been linked to better brain health? One of the most significant benefits gained from chowing down that tempting hot dog is that you receive a good amount of protein. U.S. dietary guidelines recommend consuming less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day, and less than 1,500 if you're over 50 or have high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease. One hot dog provides 11% of your daily value (DV) for selenium. THD.org provides influence, insight and advocacy on behalf of America's most iconic food - the hot dog. For example, a 150-pound woman needs to have at least 52.5 grams of protein per day. Vegetarians can rejoice in Lightlife Foods' fat-free Smart Dogs, with 45 calories each, 310 milligrams of sodium, and 8 grams of protein. Protein has a powerful hunger-suppressing impact. When nutrition experts at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health came up with the Healthy Eating Plate, proteins made up a quarter of what they recommended as a healthy meal. 2022 The Galardi Group Inc, All Rights Reserved. This fermented food contains live and active cultures, which may act as probiotics and may have powerful health benefits. Get the best food tips and diet advice EatThis.com is part of the AllRecipes Food Group. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { Cooking turkey hot dogs until they are steaming hot can help reduce the risk for listeria poisoning and kill the bacteria, but many obstetricians recommend avoiding hot dogs entirely during pregnancy. Most hot dogs are made from minced pork, beef, and chicken. To bring out extra flavor from your bun, you can toast it so that it is extra crunchy and flavorsome. Brown recommends hot dogs with less than 150 calories and fewer than 14 grams of fat (with no more than 6 grams saturated). Don't be fooled by the nameOscar Mayer's Light Weiners are anything but. You won't find any mystery meat in Trader Joe's Uncured Chicken Hot Dogsjust boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs. You can add a variety of toppings such as onion, salsa, or grilled tomato. However, other high-protein alternatives are likely more heart healthy. Did you know? Nitrites are also responsible for giving hot dogs their bright red color. A quick boil or warm-up in the microwave with an extra 5-minute toss in the frying pan is all it takes. What's more, most of the low-fat dogs out there are cured. They won't turn your hot dog into a health food, but they will help. Beef is packed with essential nutrients that can help your body reach peak performance and preserve what you're building. "While breads sans sugar might be next to impossible to find, you can still skip the ones with high-fructose corn syrup.". Hot dogs can be steamed, boiled, baked or grilled on a grill pan or outdoor grill. Looking for an alternative to traditional hot dogs? Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. One is sodium nitrate, which is a chemical that is used frequently to preserve foods. Hot dogs are not only good for the muscles and brain, but they are also an energy booster and can make you feel good.

Pro-Tip: Inadequate intake of protein can lead to Protein Energy Malnutrition and other complications. One 45-gram serving of a hot dog contains 4 grams of protein, which is a fifth of the recommended daily intake for an adult. This fermented food is really good for the gut! This has been associated with irritable bowel syndrome. That's right: the time of year when we Americans collectively stuff our faces with these , Knowing how to grill hot dogs is one of the fastest ways to turn a gathering into a party! Hot dogs aren't the epitome of health they're a processed food packed with sodium and additives but you can enjoy them in moderation. Why Do Hot Dogs Come in Packs of 10 and Buns in 8? MSM made from beef has been banned in the U.S. since 2004 due to concerns about mad cow disease, although mechanically separated poultry is safe to eat, says the Food and Drug Administration. But you probably eat it wrapped in a regular white refined flour hot dog bun, which adds around 100 calories and a little bit of fiber (0.81g). One hot dog is not a significant source of magnesium (1% DV), thiamin (1% DV) or calcium (1% DV). The hot dog has earned its place as a part of American culture, and its not going anywhere. Erin Coleman is a registered and licensed dietitian. Consuming turkey hot dogs can help you meet your daily protein requirements of 46 grams per day for women and 56 grams per day for men, according to the Institute of Medicine. But their nutritious value has often been underestimated.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'foodrinke_com-box-3','ezslot_0',166,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-foodrinke_com-box-3-0')}; Like other meats, hot dogs can be part of a healthy diet as outlined in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines. Here are some quick ideas. Regular hot dogs are cooked at 160 Degrees Fahrenheit in cookers. xhr.send(payload); Go for a whole wheat bun to wrap your hotdog. In fact, many scientific studies have been done on protein. Unlike minerals from grains and vegetables, these nutrients from meat are more bioavailable, which means the body more readily absorbs ad uses them. Allergy symptoms include headaches, difficulty breathing, rash or gastrointestinal distress. "They tend to be low quality and super processed," she says.