Burger is one of the most common foods in the world. Although associated with indulgence rather than nutrition, many seem to have chosen it as a favourite. But are burgers good for you? The answer to this important question depends on several factors. How a burger is prepared, its size, and the ingredients used are factors to consider if you want to know if burgers are healthy for you.
Nutritional Breakdown Of Burger
For those who eat burgers regularly, they’ll know a typical burger contains beef, a bun, and some toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and some condiments. Each of these ingredients provides the body with some type of nutrient or the other. The amount of beef in a typical burger can range from 15 grams or more depending on the size of the burger. The protein content nourishes the body helping with muscle growth & repair.
Burger can also be a source of fat depending on the type of beef used in its preparation. If present in good amounts, fat can help with cell function. As the bun is rich in carbohydrates, it is a good source of energy. The lettuce and pickles provide vitamins which are good antioxidants. The sodium content of the condiments is also beneficial for the body but in small amounts.
From the breakdown of the nutrients, an ideal burger can provide, a burger can be a healthy food option to consider. However, does this mean are burgers healthy all the time and you can eat them anytime and anywhere? Well, the answer is no. Let’s see why.
Why Burgers Are Not Always Healthy
Are burgers healthy for you always? The simple answer is no. Why? While the nutrients that make up a burger are not harmful naturally, the vast majority of restaurants that sell burgers use a variety of ingredients that may not be healthy. Many people who recommend good health practices often say a good health insurance WPA and choosing a healthy life such as eating good meals are very important. Going with the latter, it’s imperative to be cautious about burgers.
The beef often used in burgers by some restaurants is processed. Health research has shown that processed meat increases the risk of heart disease, making it unhealthy for consumers. The bun is often from refined flour which lacks fibre. This type of flour can also spike blood sugar among other things. Other ingredients such as condiments and cheese are often refined and processed, making them unhealthy for consumption.
When you look at the combination of processed ingredients, refined components, and the sodium content of condiments used in making most burgers, then it’s unhealthy for consumption. Such burgers are unhealthy for you as it puts you at the risk of developing diseases later on. As mentioned at the onset, the ingredient plays a role in how healthy a burger is. So, when processed and refined ingredients make up a burger and someone consumes this type of burger continuously, then it is unhealthy.
What Types Of Burgers Are Healthy
In addition to getting a good Premier PMI UK plan, especially for UK residents, eating healthy meals is extremely important to ensuring good well-being. On the subject of food — eating burgers is the focus here. There are ways to enjoy healthy burgers that won’t pose a threat to your life later on.
While fast food chains may use processed meat or beef, ensure you use lean meat or plant-based options. By doing this, you limit fat intake while still getting protein. As for the buns, stay away from the refined types. Go to restaurants that use whole grains to make the buns or make it yourself. You will enjoy its fibre content and other nutrients.
Make sure you add fresh vegetables for vitamins and fibre. Vegetables make your burger a balanced meal in addition to other ingredients. The next to add are condiments such as mayonnaise or ketchup. However, these are processed additions. It may be difficult to use alternatives like mustard, avocado, or Greek yogurt-based sauces because many use mayonnaise and ketchup. In this situation, one can use refined condiments in small amounts. Another option is to use them interchangeably. For example, if you make a burger today you can use the conventional additions. At another time, better healthy alternatives can be used.
Lastly, the size of your portion matters too. A small-sized burger with healthy ingredients is better than a huge one with lots of cheese, bacon, and creamy sauces.
Moderation Is Important
Burgers from fast food chains are best avoided due to the common ingredients used. The safest way to consume a burger is to make a homemade version. Making burgers at home gives you control over the ingredients. You can carefully pick fresh veggies, use lean meat, and use whole grains to prepare a healthy burger. Now, here’s where moderation comes into play.
Since you may not be able to always make your burger, eat the ones from fast food chains in moderation. Eat such burgers occasionally. And when you do allow moderate addition of creamy sauces and cheese. As for the burger you make yourself using healthy ingredients, you still need to eat it in moderation. Of course, it’s healthy, regardless it shouldn’t be a go-to everyday meal. Allow your body to enjoy various nutrients from different meals.
So, are burgers healthy for you? Only burgers with good and healthy ingredients are good for you. Most fast food burgers are not healthy since they use more processed ingredients.
Disclosure: This is a featured post.