The phrase "condiments" conjured up images of common condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise for Americans. Salsa and Sriracha are now as prevalent as condiments thanks to a recent rise in the popularity of condiments from around the world.
This broad definition includes a variety of sauces, spreads, pastes, dips, and dressings to please the taste. Today, a condiment is described as "anything that seeks to enhance the flavor of food, especially a pungent seasoning." The word "condiment" was first utilized in 15th-century England and France, where it had been derived from the Latin word “condire”, meaning "to season.
Condiments are food, not simply toppings, and they have calories. If you are not careful with what you choose and how much you use, condiments and other sauces and flavorings can add plenty of unnecessary calories and interfere with your weight-loss regimen. However, not every condiment is formed equal. it is a great way to improve the flavor of your food and may even have health advantages. However, some condiments include unhealthily high levels of salt and sugar added to artificial additives. Additionally, to being low in added sugar, healthy condiments also contain fiber, healthy fats, and protein.
Enhancing the flavor of your food is simple when you use condiments. There are several condiments that are healthy. As an example, studies have shown that a lot of spices and herbs, which the USDA classifies as condiments, contain significant levels of antioxidants, which are substances that inhibit and delay cellular damage-causing processes within the body.
However, certain condiments have excessive fat, sugar, and salt content. As an example, consuming an excessive amount of salt increases your risk of developing high blood pressure, stroke, and a heart condition.
The occasional usage of condiments won't seriously harm your health. once you utilize too many, your otherwise nutritious foods become unhealthy, which is when the matter arose. Their ingredients are often harmful to your health, particularly if you do not know what the information on their nutrition labels means.
It is advisable to just make condiments at home with products that are probably less processed and fewer in calories, consistent with many experts. Additionally, you'll get a variety of delectable condiments that are healthful and safe for use.
Consider the subsequent additional healthful condiments:
- Nutritional yeast
- Apple vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- Nut butter, like almond or spread
- Unflavored Greek yogurt
- Guacamole
- Hummus
- Citrus juice
Generally speaking, condiments do not have much nutritional value on their own, but they will undoubtedly enhance the flavor of foods that are already nutrient-dense. remember that some seasonings, sauces, and flavorings may cause IBS or migraines, and a few may include gluten, which makes disorder symptoms worse.
Not all flavoring is formed equally! Check out how mayo, ketchup, soy sauce, and other condiments could affect your health before you add them to your food.
A meal is often completely changed by the right sauces and dressings, which combine a spread of flavors to produce a filling and delectable dish. counting on the components used, the nutritional content of sauces and dressings might differ significantly. As an example, cream-based sauces often have higher calorie counts and fewer nutritional value than sauces and dressings made with vegetables. to seek out how many calories and nutrients are in your favorite sauces and dressings, consult the nutrition label or the calorie table below. The calorie count of a number of your favorite sauces could surprise you.
PDO I Kimberly Tanador, RND
References:
20 Healthy Condiments (And 8 Unhealthy Ones)
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/list-of-condiments#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
What to Know About the Healthiest Condiments
https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-about-the-healthiest-condiments
Condiments: An Array of Flavors Enhancers
https://foodandnutrition.org/november-december-2017/condiments-array-flavor-enhancers/
