A sausage is a delicious food made from meat. These sausages are especially indulgent when paired with gravy and a side of mashed potatoes. Sausages taste delightful and are surprisingly versatile.
As delectable as sausages are, they are not the healthiest form of meat.
They tend to be high in calories, which is not ideal for people that are attempting to reduce their calorie intake. This guide will explore the nutritional value of sausages (for our guide to bratwurst sausages, read here).
How Many Calories Are In A Sausage?
On average, the typical sausage contains approximately 300 calories.
However, this figure will vary depending on what type of sausage you are eating and the brand. Pork is perhaps the most common meat for making sausages.
However, beef and chicken are also popular options. Chicken is a good option if you are attempting to lose weight and maintain a healthier diet.
Chicken sausages are higher in protein and lower in calories than pork sausages. Many chicken sausages will contain around 140 calories.
Beef and pork sausages tend to be quite calorie-dense, usually containing around 300 calories. Likewise, chorizo sausages, which are a spicy form of cured pork meat, are rich in calories.
Hot dog sausages are also usually high in calories, often containing roughly 280 calories per sausage. Additional extras, such as the bun and condiments, will increase the calorie intake of a hot dog sausage.
Are Sausages Healthy?
No, sausages are not particularly healthy. The main reason for this is that they are high in saturated fat, which can raise your cholesterol. In turn, you will be at a higher risk of developing heart disease.
However, there are some nutritional benefits to consuming sausages. Namely, they are high in protein.
Most sausages will contain around 12 grams of protein since they are made with meat products. This large amount of protein will be beneficial for people who are attempting to build muscle mass.
Aside from this high protein intake, sausages can also be a good form of iron and vitamin B12. Iron is essential for growth and development.
Plus, it contributes to the creation of red blood cells. A single sausage will contribute massively to your daily recommended intake of iron. Meanwhile, vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the body’s production of DNA.
On another positive note, sausages can also be a good source of selenium. This is due to the high meat content, as pork and beef tend to be relatively rich in selenium.
Selenium supports the immune system and is needed to produce DNA.
Due to the poor nutritional value of sausages, it is best to consume them occasionally as a treat. Sausages should not be regularly consumed as part of your diet.
Otherwise, you are likely to develop a range of health problems, such as obesity.
It’s also worth noting that processed meat has been linked to cancer. As a result, it is believed to be one of the causes of this life-threatening disease.
It is recommended that you attempt to cut processed meat from your diet and reduce your intake of it. Generally, you should try to only eat sausages one day every week at most.
Are Homemade Sausages Healthier Than Store-Bought?
Homemade sausages often taste fresh and delicious. However, they can be rather time-consuming to make. Yet, if you are prepared to spend the time making homemade sausages, it can be worth it.
These homemade sausages are often healthier than ready-made sausages. One of the benefits of making homemade sausages is that you can customize them to better suit your dietary needs and taste preferences.
For instance, you can ensure that your homemade sausages are gluten-free.
Though some store-bought sausages are gluten-free, this is not always the case. Plus, you can boost the nutritional value of these homemade sausages by using healthy ingredients.
How Can You Make Sausages Healthier?
If you adore sausages but want to eat a healthier diet, here are some tips for making healthy sauces:
- Consider opting for chicken or turkey meat instead of pork or beef. As mentioned, chicken sausages tend to be lower in calories than these more traditional meats.
- Make your own sausages. This way, you can use fresh and healthy ingredients. As mentioned, homemade sausages tend to be more nutritional than store-bought varieties, though they will require a lot more effort to make.
- Meat-free sausages are also a superior option in terms of health, as they contain fewer saturated fats than meat-based sausages.
- Pair your sausages with something healthy. Though sausages and fries make a stellar combination, they are not a healthy pairing. As a result, you should consider eating sausages with salad or roasted vegetables.
- Avoid buying sausages that are high in unhealthy additives.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, sausages are not a good option if you are attempting to lose weight. Due to the high number of calories and content of saturated fat, sausages will actively contribute to weight gain.
That is not to say that you cannot eat sausages as part of a healthy weight-loss diet. Just make sure that you make responsible choices when adding sausages to your diet.
Though neither of these foods is particularly healthy, bacon tends to be considered healthier than sausage. This is because it is lower in saturated fat and calories.
On the other hand, sausages will be a better source of protein than bacon.
Yes, sausages can be a valid source of protein. This protein can help you to grow muscle mass.
Yet, it’s important to bear in mind that there are healthier sources of protein, which are lower in calories and fat than sausages. These sources of protein include eggs, poultry, fish, and nuts.
Final Thoughts
Sausages can be used to make a tasty and hearty meal, making them a great option if you are craving comfort food.
However, you should not regularly consume sausages due to the health risks associated with this food. This form of processed meat is high in calories and saturated fat.
One of the most common things I talk to my clients about is calories, but so few of them actually know anything about them.
Calories is not a dirty word. If you remove emotion from it, it is simply a unit of energy.
We need calories to live and thrive, and knowing how many to consume is important to ensure that you’re living a healthy lifestyle.
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