Sausage lovers, we have some bad news for you.
The Ministry of Health Malaysia posted a statement on 13 July 2020, reminding the public that sausage does not contain real meat and it comprises of several ingredients that are harmful to our health.
As a type of processed food, sausages contain:
1. High Trans-Unsaturated Fat
Most trans fats are made from oils, via a food-processing method called partial hydrogenation. Trans fats will increase your LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower your HDL (good cholesterol). This will increase the risk of getting cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, heart failure and stroke, as well as the risk of weight gain and diabetes.
If you do not want to increase your risk of getting cancer, you better stop eating too many sausages!
2. High Salt Content (Sodium & MSG)
High sodium, also known as Hypernatremia is caused by consuming too much salt. Seizure, confusion, severe sweating, and even death could happen if you consume a high level of salt.
MSG, the flavour enhancer, on the other hand, is less harmful and is found to be non-toxic. But as we all know, too much of anything is never good for the body.
3. High Preservatives
Preservatives are added to food to sustain the food’s quality and enhance the appearance of food. However, there are several side effects of taking too many preservatives. For instance, breathing problems like asthma, obesity, cancer, weakening of heart tissue, and even hyperactive behaviour among young children.
This is why parents need to always monitor children’s food intake and make sure that they grow up healthily.
4. Heighten “Bad” Cholesterol In The Body
As mentioned, sausage contains “Bad” LDL Cholesterol which is harmful to the body. High LDL Cholesterol heightens the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
5. Heighten The Risk Of Bowel Cancer And Obesity
Bowel cancer, also known as the colon or rectal cancer, is majorly due to a high diet in processed meat like sausages. Sausage consists of a relatively small amount of micronutrient content that benefits the body. “You can eat sausages, but do not make it as a main dish or serve it as daily food to the children” stated MOH
Other than sausages, nuggets also contain substances that are out of people’s expectations. According to Public Health Malaysia, an autopsy carried out by the study of chicken nuggets, found that chicken nuggets, surprisingly, do not contain white chicken meat, but have other ingredients like chicken skin, bones, blood vessels and chicken compound instead.
Salt and preservatives, which are damaging to our health, are also added into chicken nuggets to enhance the flavour and increase its durability.
The next time you think about consuming sausages and nuggets, you probably have to think again!
Also Read: 8 Common Unhealthy Foods That Māsians Are Addicted To & Their Healthier, Just-as-Good Substitutes!
