Some people basically slather ketchup on everything, including burgers, sandwiches, parathas, and even a single French fry. But now is the time to become aware of the negative effects of ketchup. Keep in mind that you could get into a lot of trouble otherwise. Before adding ketchup to our diet, one must be mindful of their intake of sugar and sodium and carefully review the ingredient list and nutrition facts.
It is best to consider all options before adding ketchup to your diet as processed and preserved foods have been linked to an increased risk of inflammation. Many experts believe that store-bought tomato ketchup is devoid of fiber and protein. It just serves to improve a dish's flavor. High levels of sugar, salt, fructose corn syrup, and preservatives are found, all of which are harmful to your body. So here are some side effects of consuming too much tomato ketchup:
Allergies: Too much tomato ketchup consumption can lead to allergic reactions in the body. The high levels of histamine in tomato ketchup can cause allergic reactions.
Obesity and Insulin Resistance: Obesity and insulin resistance can be caused by foods with high sugar content and fructose corn syrup and ketchup are mostly made of sugar.
Heart Disease: Foods high in fructose corn syrup are linked to higher triglyceride levels and cardiac issues when consumed in excess.
Low Nutrient Density: A nutrient-rich cuisine provides protective micronutrients and encourages the growth of immunity. Ketchup, on the other hand, has poor nutritional value and is devoid of protein and fiber.
Acidity and Heartburn: Due to the presence of acids like malic acid and citric acid, tomato ketchup—a food that is acidic—can cause acid reflux and heartburn. So, tomato ketchup should be avoided by people with digestive issues such as digestive stress or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Kidney Issues: Foods that are processed and have a high sodium content raise the level of calcium in the urine, which may increase the risk of kidney stones.
Joint Problems: Foods that have been processed or preserved can increase your risk of inflammation, which could lead to joint issues.
Is Ketchup Good for Your Health?
Spices, salt, pepper, vinegar, and tomatoes are the basic ingredients for ketchup, a low-calorie sauce. Ketchup has fewer calories and no fat compared to other famous competitors like mayonnaise.
The sugar and salt level of ketchup, however, is a subject of concern for some people. Additionally, it frequently includes high fructose corn syrup, a natural taste that some people may not like, tomato concentrate, and other ingredients. Therefore, the solution is to cut back on intake rather than give up ketchup altogether.
Since high fructose corn syrup, or HFCS, glugs out of the jar of commercially prepared ketchup, you can be eating it when you use it on food. The ketchup is typically made using overcooked tomatoes, a significant amount of sugar (usually from genetically modified corn syrup), and water. Some manufacturers could also use natural flavoring, which is nothing more than chemicals that intensify the flavor.
Ketchup has roughly 4 grams of sugar in just one teaspoon, and it goes without saying that some people eat more than one teaspoon at a time, increasing their daily sugar intake. A lot of flavor enhancers and HFCS are added to practically all preserved foods, and when consumed together, they quickly exceed your daily intake of fructose.
When consumed in moderation, of course, ketchup can be a great supplement to your main diet. But if consumed regularly, you will undoubtedly develop a number of undesirable ailments and difficulties.
