Are you one of those people who slather ketchup on everything, basically from maggie to pizza, and even parathas?
Tomato sauce is a staple in every Pakistani kitchen. Is it beneficial?
Not really, no. It is tomato ketchup, after all.
When eating fast food, both adults and children enjoy tomato sauce or tomato ketchup. Tomato ketchup is served with dishes including pasta, pizza, toast, bread, lettuce, french fries, fried chicken, and hamburgers.
It’s crucial to understand the negative effects ketchup may have on general health, though.
Most of us assume that tomato ketchup is safe simply because it pairs well with certain items and improves their flavor. But the truth is that this sauce contains a lot of preservatives and chemicals. Let’s get to know more about it.
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Tomato Ketchup: Is it Dangerous?
Experts claim that the preservatives and chemicals found in store-bought tomato ketchup are dangerous in a variety of ways. They are only employed to improve the flavor of ketchup.
High levels of sugar, salt, fructose, preservatives, and corn syrup are also present. When combined, all of these chemicals have harmful effects on the body.
Here’s what tomato ketchup contains that you should know about:
- Distilled Vinegar and Sugar
This sauce contains distilled vinegar, which is not at all nutritious. It is made from GMO corn that is laced with pesticides and chemicals. Because of this, tomato sauce is extremely harmful and ought to be avoided.
- Tomato Concentrate
When we talk about concentrated tomatoes, we essentially mean taking tomatoes and cooking them.
After being strained to remove the seeds and peel, tomatoes are boiled once more. This process lasts for several hours at high heat.
All of the vital vitamins and minerals that tomatoes naturally possess are removed during this process.
- The High-Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup, a very poisonous and unhealthful substance, is the main component of tomato ketchup.
It is made from genetically modified corn. Corn syrup raises blood sugar levels and has been related to a number of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and more.
- Zero Nutritional Value
Protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals are seldom present in tomato sauce or tomato ketchup. Do not overlook the high sugar and sodium content of the sauce.
Therefore, besides improving the flavor of the dish, tomato sauce has no health advantages.
Side Effects of Tomato Sauce: What You Can Expect?
Processed and preserved foods have been associated with the risk of causing inflammation, so it’s best to think of everything before adding ketchup to your diet.
Dreading already? We’ve got more for you. Here are some of the side effects of tomato sauce.
1. Acid Reflux
It is common knowledge that tomatoes contain a lot of citric and malic acids. It might produce acid reflux or heartburn if you eat too much of it.
When these acids enter the stomach, they combine to form gastric acid, which is then used by the body to digest the food you eat.
Therefore, it is suggested that people with stomach issues avoid eating tomatoes or tomato ketchup.
2. Obesity
You may think ‘is tomato ketchup good for weight loss’? No. Not at all.
Too much sugar and preservatives are present in tomato ketchup, which can lead to an increase in body fat and obesity.
You might be surprised to learn that eating too much tomato ketchup can lower the body’s insulin levels.
Read more about ways to prevent obesity.
3. Allergies
Tomato ketchup includes histamine, which can lead to a number of allergies in the body if consumed frequently.
Depending on how much is consumed, it can also make a person throw up and have diarrhea.
Salmonella exposure can induce diarrhea when tomatoes are consumed raw. Digestion issues are more likely to affect those who are tomato intolerant.
4. Heart Diseases
Regularly consuming tomato ketchup causes your body to produce more fructose corn syrup, which is linked to raised triglycerides and heart disease.
5. Joint Problems
Excessive tomato consumption frequently has negative side effects like swelling and joint ache.
The tomato fruit contains a lot of solanine. This substance causes the tissues to accumulate calcium. Their overuse results in inflammation and physical discomfort.
Learn about home remedies for joint pain.
Kidney Stones
Consuming high sodium and processed foods increases the quantity of calcium in the body, which can increase the chances of developing kidney stones.
Bottom Line!
The key to everything is moderation. One should never exceed a certain limit of eating anything. Tomato sauce does look and feel good on our food, but side effects of tomato sauce surpasses those feelings.
Eat it, but never overdo it.
Consult with a well-known nutritionist/dietician via Healthwire’s platform to know more about everyday condiments for your health.
