Using ketchup is one of the easiest ways to add a quick, delicious flavor to your meals. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrients, too. And with a few simple tips and tricks, you can enjoy ketchup and all of its wonderful benefits without ever having to give it a second thought.
High-fructose corn syrup
Whether you’re eating a hot dog or making your own ketchup, high-fructose corn syrup is an ingredient that you should avoid. It’s toxic to the liver, the immune system and pancreas, and has been linked to a range of health problems. It’s not only a source of sugar, but also a genetically modified food. It’s often used to make foods taste better, but it’s not used to improve the nutritional value.
High-fructose corn syrup is one of the ingredients in many popular ketchup brands. It’s an inexpensive sweetener that helps maintain viscosity and is a great shelf-stable ingredient. It can also be a source of allergy symptoms and food intolerances. Fortunately, there are several options to choose from, including French’s Tomato Ketchup Free From High Fructose Corn Syrup, Hunt’s 100% Natural Ketchup and Simply Balanced.
Some ketchup brands contain more than 40 percent high-fructose corn syrup. A recent Profeco study found that Heinz, Embasa, Clemente Jacques, La Costea and Market Pantry’s ketchup contain more than that.
While it’s not impossible to find ketchup without HFCS, it’s best to look for organic or all-natural options. If you’re eating a lot of ketchup, you may be in the ‘excess consumption’ category.
While some ketchup brands have reformulated their products with HFCS, others are still HFCS-free. French’s Tomato Ketchup Free from High Fructose Corn Syrup, for example, contains 4 grams of total carbs and zero grams of fat.
Another option is Woodstock Farms’ ketchup, which is made with organic sugar and moderate sodium. It’s available at Target, Costco, and Sam’s Club.
The American Medical Association (AMA) does not recognize a difference between HFCS and sucrose. But it does acknowledge that excess consumption of sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Genetically modified corn
Despite claims by the industry that genetically modified corn is safe to eat, research shows that it is harmful. The new varieties of GM corn can contain pesticide residues. These toxins, known as mycotoxins, are believed to be carcinogenic.
In addition, scientists have also found that a gene in a corn variety causes the plant to produce a protein that kills insects. This may help reduce the need for pesticides.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, GM corn is safe to eat. The agency says the gene is nutritionally equivalent to traditional corn. But the studies were small, and there is no long-term research to prove the safety of GM corn.
Many experts worry about the potential environmental impact of GM crops. They argue that they are changing the ecology of wild plants and wildlife. They also believe that a GM crop’s built-in pesticide could affect aquatic plants and streams.
In the United States, most GM tests are conducted through a notification process. Growers are notified and must destroy genetic material once the field trial is over. However, the Environmental Protection Agency has the ability to grant exemptions for minimal testing.
In addition to contaminating wild plants, GM crops can affect neighboring fields. They can also alter the ecology of wild animals and birds. In the future, GM crops will have to undergo various reviews to determine the safety of their traits.
One of the concerns about GM crops is that they are more susceptible to cross-pollination. This means that some of the seeds from the GM crop can be bred into wild plants. This could result in a hepatitis B vaccine, or a disease-resistant corn crop.
High-sodium
Choosing low-sodium alternatives to your favorite meals is an easy way to reduce your sodium intake. By learning how to make smarter choices, you can reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
A recent study showed that two out of three adults are at risk for health problems from eating too much salt. This is a wake-up call for all of us to start paying more attention to our sodium intake.
The most common source of sodium is processed foods. This includes meat, vegetables, and sauces. But there are also other sources. You can avoid sodium overload by choosing fresh, unprocessed foods.
One of the easiest ways to find low-sodium alternatives is by looking for the “low sodium” claim on packaging. However, even those foods labeled low in sodium still contain a lot of sodium. You’ll want to choose products that have less than 140 mg of sodium per serving.
Another way to cut sodium is to use spices and herbs. These are great ways to add flavor to your meals without adding sodium.
You’ll also want to avoid high-sodium condiments. These include mayonnaise, mustard, and barbecue sauce.
Soy sauce is another example of a condiment that can be high in sodium. A tablespoon of soy sauce contains about 1,000 milligrams of sodium. If you’re trying to eat healthier, you’ll want to choose a lower sodium soy sauce.
You can also replace salt with vinegar. Vinegar is a great way to add flavor to food without adding sodium. This is especially true if you’re using herbs and spices.
When you’re buying food, look for the Heart-Check mark. This is the American Heart Association’s mark for foods that meet their sodium criteria.
Lycopene
lycopene is a carotenoid antioxidant that is naturally found in many red fruits and vegetables. Some studies suggest that lycopene may be helpful in protecting against chronic diseases, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Lycopene is an antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals that can damage cells. High levels of free radicals are linked to a variety of health problems. These include heart disease, cancer, and macular degeneration.
Some studies have shown that lycopene may reduce the risk of prostate cancer and skin cancer. Several animal studies also show that lycopene may have a positive effect on cardiovascular disease. Other studies have shown that lycopene reduces cholesterol levels. Adding lycopene to the diet may help prevent asthma.
A study of 28,000 women at the Harvard School of Public Health suggested that women with the highest blood levels of lycopene had a 50% lower risk of developing heart disease. However, this relationship was not replicated in seven other studies. Moreover, the study did not look at ketchup.
Other research has shown that lycopene may help to stabilize free radicals. It also appears to be a protective factor against the skin damaging effects of the sun. Its absorption may be enhanced by eating foods that are cooked.
Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene. A tablespoon of ketchup has about 15 grams of lycopene. It is best to use a small amount at a time.
The FDA has concluded that lycopene consumption is not associated with increased risks of cancer. However, more studies are needed to determine the effect of lycopene on various cancers.
In addition to cancer prevention, lycopene may also benefit oral health. It has been shown to improve the function of the endothelial cells, which are responsible for the vascular system.
Weight loss
Among the many condiments on the market, ketchup is often marketed as a healthy food. However, there are some drawbacks to this condiment.
Although ketchup has a low calorie content, it is still loaded with sugars and salt. In fact, the average serving of ketchup contains more than four grams of carbohydrates, and about 15 calories.
The best way to avoid the pitfalls of ketchup is to opt for a healthier version. This can be done by choosing brands that do not contain added sugars. Another option is to make your own ketchup at home. The process involves combining ingredients like tomato, vinegar, and spices. Once the mixture is ready, store it in a refrigerator. You can also use it as a savory meat marinade or shrimp cocktail sauce.
To find a healthier ketchup, look for products that are free of high fructose corn syrup. Some ketchups, such as Primal Kitchen’s and True Made Foods, do not contain any added sweeteners. These products are considered to be all natural, and are Whole30 approved.
In addition to being low in calories and fat, ketchup is a good source of lycopene, a phytonutrient that reduces the risk of stroke. This nutrient is found in fresh fruits and vegetables, but processed foods such as ketchup have higher amounts of lycopene.
Another health benefit of ketchup is that it contains a good amount of choline. This nutrient is also found in tomatoes. It can help to lower blood pressure, and has been shown to help curb the symptoms of DOMS, or delayed onset muscle soreness.
Whether you choose to use ketchup or make it at home, it is important to watch your portion size. A serving of ketchup is about a teaspoon. This is equivalent to a few spoonfuls of mayonnaise.