10 Healthy Condiments
Healthy food does not mean flavorless food, but when it comes to adding flavor and flair to a meal, there are certain condiment options that are simply better for you. Here is my list of 10 Healthy Condiments:
1. Tahini
Tahini is a savory sauce made of sesame seeds. It is loaded with helpful minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron and can be used in hummus, baba ganoush, and as a base for salad dressings and dipping sauces.
2. Mustard
A tangy, yellowish-brown sauce, mustard not only adds flavor and kick to a dish, it adds a bright, cheery color. More importantly, this condiment is loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and essential minerals. It also helps clear out the sinuses! Use it on sandwiches and wraps, as a dip for pretzels or veggies, or add it to salad dressings and marinades.
3. Pesto
With a healthy and thick aromatic sauce, pesto is a great choice for foodies looking to incorporate more fresh herbs into their diets. Typically made with basil and garlic as a base (YUMMY!), it can also be made with other greens, such as parsley or kale, and nuts, like almonds. Pesto is amazing on sandwiches, in pasta dishes, and just as a dip or spread.
4. Salsa
Homemade or store bought or out at a restaurant, salsa is a healthy condiment option to keep in mind and on hand. It can be used in wraps, egg dishes, on burritos, tacos, and fish, and of course as a dip for tortilla chips. With its combination of tomatoes, peppers, and spices, salsa is not only a healthy condiment choice, but it can also help you burn fat, gain muscle, prevent cancer, diminish inflammation, and stay fuller longer. Plus, it's fun to say. Rolls right off the tongue... Salsa!
5. Horseradish
If you are looking for major health benefits from your condiments, horseradish is where it's at! From fighting the flu, respiratory disorders, and urinary tract infections to possibly making human beings more resistant to cancer, horseradish is a terrific healthy condiment to add to your arsenal of good health! It can fight headaches, ease joint discomfort, act as an analgesic, and... it tastes great! It has a pungent, tangy zip with a bit of heat. Horseradish is great on sandwiches, paired with meats and seafood, in cocktail sauces, as a dip for french fries, and with grilled cheese (my favorite way to eat it!)
6. Guacamole
Made with a base of avocados, guacamole is a healthy condiment filled with healthy fats! When you add cilantro, lime juice, onion, a pinch of salt and maybe tomato and garlic, Guacamole becomes a super health food! Guacamole makes a great addition to sandwiches, salads, tostadas, wraps, tacos, nachos, egg dishes, and as a dip with bread, tortilla chips, veggies, pretzels, or crackers.
How adorable is this guacamole serving dish?? I'm in love!
You can get one HERE!
7. Organic Ketchup
Organic ketchup is filled with heart healthy antioxidants like lycopene, shown to help prevent cancer growth, as well as high levels of vitamins A, C, and E, making it a great healthy condiment to keep around. Organic ketchup tends to have more nutrients and less additives as compared to its non-organic counterparts, so if you go non-organic, check those labels! Organic ketchup can be great on burgers, sandwiches, wraps, scrambled eggs, and of course, for dipping french fries and tater tots!
8. Honey
Honey is a sweet, sticky condiment filled with antioxidants that protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals in the body. Honey is also full of antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, cognitive decline, and macular degeneration. It can also help alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies if taken daily. Use honey in oatmeal, tea, coffee, cereal, in smoothies, on sandwiches, with cornbread, or with fruit and coconut flakes for a tasty treat! Honey is a sweet and satisfying healthy condiment.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
Yes, I know... you hear about apple cider vinegar all the time... it has become kind of a major trend in the health world; but with good reason! It truly is an amazing condiment. Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral, and it is good for weight loss, detoxification of the body, and muscle recovery. As a healthy condiment, apple cider vinegar is great as a base for salad dressings or as a flavor enhancer for potato wedges, chips, or french fries.
10. Hot Sauce
Hot sauce can be a good, healthy condiment choice when used in moderation (meaning, not on EVERYTHING as I know some of you would do!) Made of healthy peppers and full of capsaicin and other antioxidants, hot sauce can actually act as a weight loss aid and metabolism booster. Just be aware of the sodium levels and of other additives that may be in your hot sauce. Hot sauce is great on eggs, in salads, on wraps and sandwiches, on tacos, nachos, burritos, tostadas, and more! (But not everything!)
I hope this list helps you to make some healthier food choices when it comes to your condiments.
Peace and Love to ALL!
Meagan
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