Melissa's Blog

Hot Dogs: What Is A Hot Dog and How Is It Made?

25 Jan 2010 1 Comment

by melissamaze in cancer, Cholesterol, Diabetes, Nutrition, Organic Tags: Applegate Farms, cancer, Diabetes, healthy lifestyle, heart health, hot dogs, nitrates, nitrites, Organic

Are you a hot dog lover?

If so, do you know what is really in a hot dog and how it’s made?

Well, at one time I was a hot dog lover too.  I have fond memories of the smells coming from the many hot dog pushcarts on the downtown streets of Washington, DC…many years ago.  There was nothing like a nice spring or summer day and a nice hot juicy hot dog with all the fixings!  It was heaven. That is, until I watched a video on how hot dogs are made and what was actually in a hot dog.  OMG!! That was enough for me.  I could no longer stomach the thought or bring myself to eat another hot dog after seeing that video. 

So for all you hot dog lovers out there, this one is for you. Just in case you didn’t already know and were the least bit curious, check out this very informative video to discover what’s in a hot dog and how hot dogs are made.

Well, as I said, I no longer eat hot dogs. It has a lot to do with conscious eating. Once you know what you’re putting into your body, it really shouldn’t matter how good something tastes on the lips if it isn’t good for you, right? You should agree with me on this one, okay.

Do you remember the ingredients named in making hot dogs? I remember hearing salt (mentioned more than once) and more importantly, pork, beef, and chicken trimmings or leftovers.

To me that screams disease…heart disease, diabetes, cancer and some more issues.

Now, let’s suppose after watching that video you still have no fear or shame about the havoc eating hot dogs wreaks on your health and your body. That could be understandable because many individuals struggle with giving up their favorite foods that are unhealthy and making more nutritious choices when they aren’t aware of their options.

Well, today as I was wandering through Whole Foods (one of my favorite things to do by the way), look what I found in the meat department – - -

And this….

Unfortunately, I have not tried these hot dogs so I can’t give you my personal review. However, they sound like a much healthier option for someone that loves eating hot dogs. You have the choice of organic or non-organic. They’re gluten and casein free, and do not include any antibiotics or preservatives. Another healthy benefit is that these hot dogs are uncured, which means “no nitrates or nitrites”. Although nitrates are listed as being harmless, the risk is that they can convert to a nitrite, which can form nitrosamines, a powerful cancer-causing chemical, in your body. Because of this fact, hot dogs are listed in the Nitrate category as one of “The 10 Worst Foods You Can Eat”. If you do eat foods containing nitrates, it is recommended that you have a glass of orange juice at the same time (for instance, orange juice with your morning bacon). Vitamin C is known to inhibit the conversion to nitrosamines in your stomach. I doubt many individuals are drinking orange juice when they eat hot dogs.

Well, I’m curious to know your thoughts on these healthier hot dogs…have you tried them? If so, what do you think?

To Your Health ~

Melissa

www.feelingofwellness.com