Bacon and sausage are two breakfast staples that many people enjoy. However, both are processed meats and should be consumed in moderation.
If you’re wondering which one is worse for you, the answer may surprise you. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the nutritional content of bacon and sausage, as well as their potential health risks.
So, whether you’re a bacon lover or a sausage enthusiast, keep reading to find out which one comes out on top.
Which Is Worse For You Bacon Or Sausage?
When it comes to the debate of which is worse for you, bacon or sausage, the answer is not so clear cut. Both bacon and sausage have their pros and cons when it comes to nutrition.
In terms of protein content, sausage comes out on top. Two sausages with 97% pork content contain 22g of protein, while two rashers of bacon contain 16.2g of protein on average. However, both bacon and sausage have high levels of fat. Two rashers of bacon contain 7.6g of fat, with 2.5g being saturated fat. Two sausages contain 18.8g of fat, with 9.2g being saturated fat.
But it’s not all bad news for bacon lovers. Around half of the fat found in bacon is monounsaturated, which can actually help reduce blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, both bacon and sausage are processed meats, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. It’s important to consume them in moderation and consider alternatives such as chicken sausages or turkey bacon for a leaner breakfast choice.
When it comes to cooking methods, grilling is the best option as it helps drain away excess fat from the food. Frying can absorb the fat, making it less healthy.
The Nutritional Content Of Bacon
Bacon is often considered a guilty pleasure, but it does have some nutritional value. In a 3-ounce serving of bacon, there are 29 grams of protein. This is more than double the amount found in a serving of sausage. Bacon also contains vitamin B12, which is important for the production of hemoglobin and protecting against nerve damage. It also provides iron, another essential nutrient for the production of hemoglobin.
However, bacon is high in calories and fat. Two slices of pan-fried bacon contain around 80-90 calories, depending on the seasoning and thickness. This is lower than the calorie count for a serving of sausage, which can range from 100 to 170 calories depending on the type.
Bacon is also high in unhealthy saturated fat, with 2.5g found in two rashers. It’s important to note that visible fat can be trimmed to reduce the overall fat content. Additionally, a serving of bacon contains 1,461 milligrams of sodium, which is over half the recommended daily limit.
The Nutritional Content Of Sausage
Sausage is high in calories, with 324 calories per 100 grams. It also contains a similar amount of macronutrients to bacon, with a ratio of 23:2:75 for protein, carbohydrates, and fat from calories. While sausage does have a higher protein content than bacon, it also contains more fat and saturated fat.
Like bacon, sausage also contains some important nutrients such as vitamin B12 and iron. Vitamin B12 helps the body produce hemoglobin, which transports oxygen, while iron is associated with the production of hemoglobin as well. However, both bacon and sausage are high in sodium, with a serving of bacon containing 1,461 milligrams of sodium and a serving of sausage containing 665 milligrams. This is a significant portion of the daily recommended limit of 2,300 milligrams set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Health Risks Associated With Bacon Consumption
While bacon does have some nutritional benefits, such as protein and vitamin B12, it also comes with health risks. One of the biggest concerns with bacon consumption is its high levels of saturated fat. Saturated fat can increase cholesterol levels and contribute to heart disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide.
In addition to its high saturated fat content, bacon also contains high levels of sodium. A serving of bacon contains 1,461 milligrams of sodium, which is over half of the recommended daily limit. High sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease.
Furthermore, as a processed meat, bacon has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. According to the World Health Organization, consuming just 50 grams of processed meat per day (about two slices of bacon) can increase the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%. While the risk may seem small, it’s important to consider when making dietary choices.
Health Risks Associated With Sausage Consumption
While sausage may have more protein than bacon, it is important to note that it also has higher levels of unhealthy saturated fat and sodium. A serving of sausage contains 665 milligrams of sodium, which is almost one-third of the recommended daily limit. Consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease.
Additionally, processed meats like sausage have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The World Health Organization has classified processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning that there is strong evidence that they can cause cancer. This is due to the chemicals used in processing, such as nitrates and nitrites, which can form carcinogenic compounds in the body.
Furthermore, consuming too much saturated fat can also increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Saturated fat can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries.
Comparing The Two: Which Is Worse For You?
When comparing bacon and sausage, it’s important to consider their impact on health. Both meats are high in fat, with sausage containing more than bacon. However, sausage also contains more protein than bacon. When it comes to the type of fat, bacon has more monounsaturated fat which can be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
However, both bacon and sausage are processed meats which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. This means that moderation is key when consuming these meats. It’s important to consider leaner alternatives such as chicken sausages or turkey bacon for a healthier breakfast choice.
In terms of cooking methods, grilling is the best option as it helps drain away excess fat from the food. Frying can absorb the fat, making it less healthy. Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between bacon and sausage, it’s important to consider moderation and cooking methods for a healthier breakfast option.
Moderation Is Key: Tips For Enjoying Bacon And Sausage Safely.
While it’s important to consume bacon and sausage in moderation, there are ways to enjoy them safely. Here are some tips:
1. Opt for sausages with a high meat content to minimize the amount of processed ingredients.
2. Trim visible fat from bacon to decrease the fat content.
3. Always grill rather than fry to help drain away excess fat from the food.
4. Hold the salt – both bacon and sausage have high salt levels so there’s no need to add any extra.
5. Consider switching to chicken sausages or turkey bacon for a leaner breakfast choice, but be prepared for a less juicy breakfast experience.
Remember, moderation is key. While bacon and sausage do contain some nutrients like protein, vitamin B12, and iron, they are also high in unhealthy saturated fat and sodium. Consuming them in moderation can help you reap the benefits while avoiding the downsides.
