By Sarah Burns on July 18, 2010 in
Tis the season for tongs, smoke and charcoal. That's right, readers. BBQ season is here, prompting us to sidle up to our picnic tables to partake in a grilled smorgasbord. But the next time you find yourself chowing down, take note. Several common condiments are actually chocked with good-for-you ingredients. Here, three tasty toppings with hidden health benefits.
Top Secret #1: Ketchup
Why: It may protect your ticker and help fend off cancer.
Experts say lycopene — a powerful antioxidant in ketchup — may slow the process that leads to atherosclerosis and prevent the cellular damage that can lead to malignancies. And while all ketchup contains some lycopene, a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry recently found that organic versions can contain up to 60 percent more per gram than conventional brands.
Top Secret #2: Hot Sauce
Why: It can curb your appetite--helping dieters achieve better success.
Capsaicin, the spicy compound that gives peppers (and ultimately hot sauce) its heat has been shown to reduce levels of a hunger-causing hormone called ghrelin while also raising GLP-1, an appetite-suppressing hormone, according to a recent study. No need to set your mouth on fire -- experts say a few dashes is fine.
Top Secret #3: Sauerkraut
Why: It has been shown to ease digestion.
Sauerkraut is full of probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus plantarum, a strain experts say has been shown to enhance digestion as well as relieve gas and other stomach discomforts.
And Two Condiments To Steer Clear Of....
Contaminated salsa or guacamole were the culprits in nearly 1 out of every 25 foodborne illness outbreaks linked to food in restaurants between 1998 and 2008, according to new research released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Part of the problem is that individual ingredients in salsa — peppers, tomatoes, cilantro — all have been linked to widespread salmonella outbreaks in recent years. Experts also report that food workers were the source of contamination in 20 percent of the outbreaks.
Now that you're armed with some healthy summer dining knowledge, fire up your gas or charcoal grill and chow down. For more stay-safe summer advice, check out our reports on the best insect repellents, hand sanitizers and sunscreens, too.