Latest news with #MarySabat
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
It's grilling, BBQ season. But wait: Are hot dogs bad for you?
You've likely been soaking up the sun by the beach, lake or pool as summer begins. And these lazy days are often accompanied by the smoky aroma of hot dogs on the grill. On days like this we don't have a worry in the world – let alone are we thinking about the health benefits and risks of hot dogs. But the truth is that in moderation and occasionally, a hot dog isn't going to break your body – though it's also important to know what exactly we are putting in our bodies. Mary Sabat, a nutritionist and owner of BodyDesigns, previously told USA TODAY what you need to know about hot dogs. It's complicated. Like many foods, there are benefits and risks when it comes to hot dogs. Sabat says that one of the benefits of hot dogs is that they have protein. In an average hot dog, there are about 5 grams of protein. She also describes some of the drawbacks. "The biggest concern with hot dogs is the presence of nitrates and nitrites, which are additives used to preserve and enhance the color of processed meats," Sabat says. "During the cooking process or digestion, nitrates and nitrites can form nitrosamines, which are compounds that have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer." If you are concerned about nitrates or nitrites, you can still enjoy hot dogs. "To address the potential risks associated with nitrates, some hot dog manufacturers now offer nitrate-free or uncured versions of their products," Sabat says. "These alternatives use natural sources of nitrate, such as celery juice, which can still form nitrosamines but in lower quantities. Nonetheless, it's always a good idea to read the labels and choose options with fewer additives whenever possible.' Mineral sunscreen isn't just marketing: It has environmental and dermatological benefits It depends. While a hot dog may have fewer calories, (about 120 to 150 calories, compared to a plain, 4 oz. hamburger patty, which has about 225 calories), a fresh hamburger patty isn't going to contain those harmful nitrates. There's also the issue of buns and toppings – ketchup, mayo and mustard can add calories and carbohydrates – but adding lettuce, tomato and onions can bring more nutritional value. Additionally, different cuts of beef or brands of hot dogs may have different amounts of fats and salt. Building muscle isn't that easy. But consuming protein the right way is critical. The bottom line: An occasional hot dog at a backyard BBQ is totally fine. "Overall, while hot dogs can be enjoyed occasionally, it's advisable to prioritize a diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, as these provide a wider range of nutrients and are generally considered healthier choices," Sabat says. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Are hot dogs bad for you? Understand what can make them unhealthy.
NDTV
04-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Ozempic Users Flock To Protein Shake Now Named America's Unhealthiest Bottled Drink
Water is the best way to hydrate, but if you're craving something else, be cautious. Many bottled drinks like juice and protein shakes may seem healthy, but they're often high in sugar. These convenient drinks can exceed daily recommended sugar intake, making them a less healthy choice than they appear. Fairlife's Core Power protein shakes have been named the unhealthiest bottled beverage in America by food and nutrition magazine Eat This, Not That!, despite their popularity among fitness enthusiasts and Ozempic users. The shakes' muscle-boosting reputation is overshadowed by concerns over their nutritional content, sparking surprise and concern among consumers. A news portal consulted dietitian Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, who identified the seven unhealthiest food choices-ranking Core Power Protein Shakes as the worst among them for health impact. They are a go-to for many after a workout or to boost their protein intake, but Sabat says these drinks are highly problematic. "I put these first because they are so highly marketed as a great source of protein and a healthy food when in reality they are a disaster to your metabolic health," Sabat says. "Core Power Protein Shakes may seem like a convenient post-workout drink, but a closer look at the ingredients reveals several health concerns." She explains, "They use non-organic, conventional dairy, which often comes from cows fed GMO corn and soy and may contain residues of hormones and antibiotics-unlike grass-fed dairy, which is higher in omega-3s and CLA and free from harmful residues. The addition of carrageenan, a thickening agent linked to gut inflammation and irritation, further detracts from its health profile." Sabat also points out other harmful ingredients. "Artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium are also used, both of which have been associated with gut microbiome disruption and potential carcinogenic effects in animal studies," she says. Sabat adds, "Lastly, the label includes 'natural flavours," a term that can encompass up to 100 different undisclosed chemical additives, many of which are far from natural. Together, these ingredients make Core Power far less healthy than its marketing implie"s.
