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Sausage does provide some nutritional value in the form of protein, but it is also fairly high in both fat and calories. Refer to the calorie counter for your favorite type of sausage to determine the calories and nutritional value.

Source of Protein

Most of the nutritional value for sausage comes from its protein content. In fact, sausage is considered a complete protein which means that it contains all nine essential amino acids that your body needs. A 3-ounce portion of pork breakfast sausage contains about 13 grams of protein while a 3-ounce portion of turkey sausage contains about 15 grams of protein. The protein content of different types of sausage varies, as does the amount of carbohydrate and fats, so check the nutrition label.

Fat Content

While sausage is often a good source of protein, it can also be fairly high in saturated fat. Poultry sausages like chicken and turkey sausage tend to be lower in fat that beef and pork sausages. Chicken sausage is still considered a high-calorie food at between 140 and 180 calories per 85-gram link, but it has only 7 to 12 grams of fat per serving compared to nearly 15 grams for a similar-sized serving of pork sausage. It is important to note that much of the fat in sausage is saturated, so this food is best consumed in moderation.

For the most part, sausage is not considered a healthy food but you can still enjoy it in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Refer to the calorie calculator for your favorite type of sausage to determine the calories and nutritional value.

High Sodium Content

In many cases, prepared sausages are very high in sodium which can mean bad things for your health. Too much sodium in the diet can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) and an increased risk for heart disease. A diet that is too rich in sodium may also lead to certain kidney problems and calcium depletion which may lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. The recommended daily intake of sodium for healthy adults is between 1,500 and 2,300mg, so keep an eye on the nutrition label when you enjoy sausage.

Potential for Weight Gain

Many types of sausage represent the dangerous combination of being high in both calories and fat. While some sausages are also a great source of protein, the fact that they are high in saturated fats makes them still fairly unhealthy. The key to healthy weight loss is to burn more calories than you ingest each day, so regularly consuming high-calorie foods like sausage may increase your daily calorie intake causing you to gain rather than lose weight.