עברית
Health and Nutrition
Are You a Fan of Hot Dogs or Cold Cuts? Here's What You Need to Know
A nutritionist reveals the health risks associated with our favorite processed meats and tips on how to enjoy them in moderation (hint: cutting down the ketchup isn't enough).
- Yitzhak Eitan
- |Updated
Fast food has grown in popularity over the years, but increased awareness of healthy living has led many of us to cut back. For some, the first thing we thought of after school or while shopping at the mall was grabbing a hot dog. Many of us brought sandwiches with cold cuts or pastrami to school—at least until someone insisted the classroom be aired out afterward.
Cold cuts, hot dogs, and pastrami, says Shiri Alfi-Zager, a senior clinical dietitian at Clalit in the Dan–Petah Tikva district, are ultra-processed foods. They provide only short-term satiety and are usually sold packaged and ready to eat. Hot dogs typically require only a brief boil before serving.
“According to the Ministry of Health,” she writes, “excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods can lead to increased obesity, chronic diseases, and a higher risk of various cancers.” She explains that heavy consumption of these foods alters the composition of gut bacteria, increases inflammatory markers, accelerates aging, and promotes disease.
“Hot dogs don’t contain prime cuts of meat, but rather a mixture of less desirable parts, such as skin, and they lack the nutritious components found in whole meat,” she explains. “Processed meat contains carcinogenic substances; therefore, the growing recommendation is to reduce the intake of such meats, including hot dogs and cold cuts.”
In conclusion, she clarifies that the best hot dogs are those labeled as being made from natural ingredients. “While many consider a hot dog a protein substitute in a meal, it’s important to note that they typically contain low levels of protein. Meanwhile, their sodium and fat content is very high, along with added sugars and food coloring. If you choose pastrami, select one with less salt, no monosodium glutamate, and up to 2% fat.”
“In summary, hot dogs, sausages, and pastrami are foods you definitely shouldn’t eat frequently. If you consume them occasionally while following a Mediterranean diet, you’re fine,” she concludes.
