JAKARTA - The holiday season and time to gather with family are often the right moment to grill sausages on the grill. The taste is savory and easy to cook is tempting.
But besides the taste, it is also important to know what happens to our body when we often consume sausages, especially those that are processed meat.
According to experts, eating sausages occasionally is certainly okay. But if it becomes a habit, there are several health effects that you need to be aware of based on the latest scientific research.
Here's what happens to your body when you regularly eat sausage, as reported by the Eat This, Not That! website.
1. Increased risk of disease
Most sausages include processed meat. Consuming processed meat regularly, whatever the type, even chicken or beef sausages can increase the risk of several chronic diseases.
A study from the University of Zurich shows that people who consume a high amount of processed meat are at greater risk of dying from heart disease and cancer. This is related to carcinogenic substances such as nitrosamines that are formed during the processing process.
The study looked at the consumption of 40 grams of processed meat per day, a fairly high amount. Researchers suggest that processed meat consumption should be less than 20 grams per day.
2. Unhealthy Protein Sources
Sausages still contain proteins that are important for health and weight. Protein helps us feel full for longer. One average sausage contains 16-20 grams of protein.
Even so, not all sausages are low-fat proteins. It is also important to include other healthy proteins, such as skinless chicken or fish, in the daily diet menu.
3. Consuming Very High Sodium
Most sausages contain high sodium (salt). A high sodium diet can increase the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends consuming no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, ideally 1,500 mg.
For comparison, one 4-ounce (113-gram) piece of sausage can contain more than 900 mg of sodium. Meanwhile, 4 oz of grilled chicken breast contains less than 100 mg.
4. High saturated fat content
Certain types of sausage also contain high saturated fat. One sausage made from pork, beef, or a combination of the two can contain about 13 grams of saturated fat. According to the AHA, this is close to the daily consumption limit for a 2,000 calorie diet.
Too much saturated fat can increase bad cholesterol (LDL), the risk of heart disease, stroke, and weight gain. Saturated fat should only be 5-6% of total daily calories to maintain heart health and blood pressure.
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