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Sausages are a food many people enjoy. The problem is that processed meats such as sausages, ham, and bacon are classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organization and its International Agency for Research on Cancer. This means excessive consumption can pose health risks.
Still, everyone needs food that brings a bit of pleasure now and then. Here are some ways to enjoy sausages a little more healthfully.
Blanch briefly in boiling water
The best way to eat sausages is to briefly blanch them in boiling water for about two to three minutes. During this process, some of the sodium and harmful additives are removed. It also reduces the layer of grease on the surface.
Scoring the sausages before blanching is even better. It allows heat to penetrate more evenly, helping more fat and additives to escape. This is especially effective for thicker sausages. It also helps prevent them from bursting when placed in hot water.
However, it’s not recommended to cut them in half or into multiple pieces before blanching. Doing so causes the juices to drain out, resulting in a loss of flavor and a dry, crumbly texture. Instead, make shallow cuts on the surface. After blanching, pat the sausages dry with a disposable paper towel to remove excess moisture and grease before cooking.
When cooking sausages, avoid burning them — just lightly brown the outside. You can also use a microwave or air fryer. In either case, it’s best to think of it as gently heating rather than making them overly crispy.
Toss in vegetables
Pairing sausages with vegetables that have anti-cancer properties is another good approach. Broccoli, cabbage and garlic are common examples. Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable, is rich in sulforaphane — an antioxidant known to promote the activity of phase II detoxification enzymes in the liver, which help process harmful substances.
Garlic contains a compound called alliin, which is converted into allicin when the garlic is chopped or crushed. Allicin is known to help inhibit the activation of carcinogens and block the growth of cancer cells.
This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
