A condiment can be very high in calories, sweet, high in additives and fat. If you go to the trouble of preparing a balanced meal, it can be enough to undo your efforts. Two American experts draw our attention to the ketchup. Questioned by our colleagues from She Findsthey explain why consuming it regularly can have big consequences.
As a reminder, ketchup is a condiment sauce obtained from tomatoes, in the form of puree, concentrate or double concentrate. Vinegar, sugar, salt, onions, spices and possibly sweetener-type additives are added. It is designed to season dishes and should be consumed in small quantities (no more than a hazelnut per meal).
Sugar, salt… Ketchup is conducive to chronic diseases
One of the criticisms that nutritionists make of ketchup concerns the quantity of sugars. “ Although the ingredients [du ketchup] are generally healthy (tomatoes, onions, vinegar), they are unfortunately associated with high fructose corn syrupexplains dietitian Alexandra Soare. This is a processed sugar that has been linked to many cardiovascular problems. And even those that don’t contain this ingredient can cause health complications because they often involve cane sugar “.
Depending on recipes and references, the sugar content can vary from one to three times.
“ Excess sugar can lead to weight gain because the body stores unused sugar as fat. Additionally, consuming sugary condiments like ketchup can increase overall calorie intake without providing nutrients or satiety. », adds nutritionist Mary Sabat.
They add that excess added sugar in the diet simultaneously increases the risk of chronic disease, such as diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers and intestinal imbalances. “ You’re especially putting your gut health at risk when you load your food with this sugary condiment. Because a diet high in sugar promotes intestinal dysbiosis and the imbalance of intestinal bacteria », Continue the experts.
Also note that in addition to sugar, ketchup contains a significant dose of salt : one serving is enough to cover 5 to 10% of the recommended daily intake. We remind you that salt consumed in excess is conducive to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
