Condiment confusion

That little touch of tomato-y goodness you dip your fries into and the creamy sauce that makes your chicken salad smooth and tasty may seem like minor grace notes in the symphony of foods you eat every day. But ketchup -- or catsup, depending on where you're from -- can be loaded with food felons.

Ketchup was once considered a cure-all for indigestion, jaundice and rheumatism. Today, the typical American downs about 175 ounces (10-plus pounds) a year -- and while the lycopene in cooked tomatoes decreases inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia, the way ketchup is usually prepared may cure nothing. Instead, it delivers high fructose corn syrup and plain corn syrup (8 grams total per tablespoon), which contribute to fatty liver and unhealthy levels of lipids in the blood. (Look for low- or no-sugar and fructose-free ketchup.)

Commercially prepared mayo is also a diet saboteur. It's usually made with GMO soybean oil (loaded with omega-6s) and preservatives, sugar and texturizers. Excess omega-6s in the American diet contribute to inflammation and gut woes. (You can make mayo with olive oil, lemon, and eggs if you need a little bit -- don't overdo it.)

Good news? Must-have mustard delivers goodness to sandwiches, chicken dishes and salad dressings. Three ounces contains a hit of magnesium, some vitamin Bs and vitamin A, and dash of amino acids, minerals and other phytonutrients.

Other good-for-you and good-for-flavor condiments include salsa, hummus, guacamole, tahini, and balsamic vinegar. For great ideas on how to use these tasty condiments check out my "What to Eat When Cookbook."

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.

(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.


(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.