We're all aware that hot dogs are pretty nasty, but they're just so cheap and so perfect for some situations. It's hard to give them up - they're almost part of American culture. Hot dogs produce carcinogenic nitrates, which have been linked to increased instances of cancer. And if cancer isn't enough to put you off, how about all of the heart-damaging sodium? Most hot dogs also contain a preservative called sodium phosphate, an ingredient that even McDonald's banned.
If cancer, heart problems, accelerated aging, bone problems, and kidney disease aren't your style, you might want to think up some alternatives. The humble sausage, if purchased from a trustworthy local butcher, is a great substitute. There are also a number of organic hot dog options available in most supermarkets, but we're still not totally sold on those!