Nutritionists Say You Should Avoid This Condiment At All Costs—It Causes Inflammation And Lead To Stomach Fat!

Ketchup with added sugar may lead to inflammation and weight gain

Ketchup is one of the most common condiments out there; we put it on so many things, from hot dogs to French fries. While it may seem harmless when compared to creamy, high-fat options like mayonnaise, experts warn that varieties with added sugar can actually take a toll on your health, leading to inflammation and weight gain over time.

"While manufacturers have started providing ketchup varieties without added sugar, most consumers continue to turn to traditional ketchup out of preference and habit," Best points out, warning that "most brands of ketchup provide 4 grams of added sugar in just one tablespoon if the product." Yikes! "Knowing that multiple tablespoons of this condiment are used at a typical meal makes this number all the more alarming."

All that sugar can wreak havoc on your health, possibly resulting in inflammation and stomach fat. "Too much added sugar in the diet will increase the amount of calories consumed and simultaneously increase one's risk for chronic disease," Best says.  "Gut health can begin to take a toll as well, as a diet high in sugar promotes gut dysbiosis and imbalance of gut bacteria." You can learn more about what too much sugar does to your body here.

"The excess sugars in ketchup can lead to weight gain as the body stores the unused sugar as fat. Additionally, consuming sugary condiments like ketchup can increase overall caloric intake without providing significant nutrients or satiety," Sabat states. She highlights that as with everything, moderation is key.

The bottom line

Ultimately, limiting your risk of inflammation and weight gain is all about making healthy choices each day. This includes exercising regularly (here are some of the best options), choosing whole foods, and limiting your intake of processed options with harmful additives. While cutting out sugary ketchup isn't the end-all-be-all step to take, it can be one smart way to work towards the healthiest version of yourself. And the good news is that doesn't mean you have to stop enjoying ketchup altogether. Instead, Best says you should simply reach for low-sugar options. "Considering there are alternatives to traditional ketchup, it's ideal to opt for those instead," she concludes.