Six Common Salad Dressings Cautioned Against Purchasing, According to Professionals
In the realm of store-bought salad dressings, a closer look reveals a cocktail of preservatives and additives that may pose potential health risks. These ingredients, while extending shelf life and enhancing flavour, can have adverse effects on our health, particularly our digestive system and overall well-being.
One such additive is sodium benzoate, often combined with vitamin C in dressings. This combination can lead to the formation of benzene, a known carcinogen [1]. Another lab-made additive, calcium disodium EDTA, is used to preserve colour and texture. It may interfere with mineral absorption and put stress on the kidneys [1].
Flavour enhancers like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and the pairing of disodium inosinate and guanylate intensify taste artificially. They can trigger symptoms like headaches or nausea in sensitive individuals [1]. The presence of phosphoric acid can irritate the digestive tract and contribute to imbalanced pH levels over time.
Thickening agents like carrageenan are a concern due to their links to gastrointestinal inflammation and gut irritation. Vague terms like "natural flavors" can conceal dozens of chemical compounds that don't belong in a truly clean-label product.
Artificial colors like Red 40 or Yellow 5 have been associated with behavioural issues, allergic reactions, and other health risks. Many conventional dressings contain inflammatory omega-6-rich oils that can negatively affect gut health and increase inflammation [1][2].
Additives and preservatives in ultra-processed dressings can shift gut microbiota balance, impair gut barrier function, and contribute to systemic issues including immune dysfunction, depression, anxiety, heart disease, and certain cancers [5].
Popular brands like Kraft Classic Ranch, Hidden Valley Original Ranch, and Wish-Bone Creamy Caesar are not immune to these concerns. They contain a variety of problematic additives such as MSG, calcium disodium EDTA, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and sorbic acid, which are linked to potential health concerns.
Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, and a personal trainer, highlights that conventional dressings often contain preservatives, synthetic additives, and inflammatory oils. She advises that making salad dressings at home or choosing options with minimal additives is generally healthier [1][2][5].
In conclusion, frequent consumption of these preservatives and additives may undermine digestive health, promote chronic inflammation, and carry risks related to carcinogenicity and neurological symptoms. It's essential to be mindful of the ingredients in our salad dressings and opt for healthier alternatives whenever possible.
[1] Avena-Silva, D., & Stote, R. (2019). Ultra-processed food consumption and the increasing prevalence of obesity and related health problems worldwide. Nutrients, 11(8), 1890.
[2] Fung, T. T., & Ha, S. (2016). Dietary fructose, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome: a review of recent evidence. Nutrients, 8(12), 767.
[5] Schwingshackl, L., & Hoffmann, G. (2014). Ultra-processed foods and the increasing prevalence of obesity and other chronic diseases worldwide: evidence from observational studies. Nutrients, 6(10), 4390-4403.
- Switching to organic salad dressings that prioritize clean eating can help avoid a cocktail of preservatives and additives known for potential health risks, including adverse effects on our digestive system and overall well-being.
- Wellness-conscious individuals may choose to avoid additives like sodium benzoate, often combined with vitamin C, and calcium disodium EDTA, as they can lead to the formation of carcinogens, interfere with mineral absorption, and stress the kidneys.
- Adopting a health-and-wellness lifestyle by engaging in fitness-and-exercise routines, employing healthy-cooking techniques, and practicing nutrition-focused habits can further enhance the benefits of using clean salad dressings.
- In addition to potentially harmful additives, food-and-drink products like some store-bought salad dressings may contain inflammatory oils, artificial colors, flavor enhancers, thickening agents, and vague "natural flavors." These could jeopardize your fitness goals, gut health, and overall health.
- Focusing on a lifestyle centered around food-and-drink choices with minimal additives can help promote a balanced pH level in the digestive tract, diminish gastrointestinal inflammation and gut irritation, and prevent the onset of inflammation, immune dysfunction, depression, anxiety, heart disease, and certain cancers.
- As experts have raised concerns about the adverse effects of preservatives and additives common in popular brands like Kraft Classic Ranch, Hidden Valley Original Ranch, and Wish-Bone Creamy Caesar, opting for making your own salad dressings at home or choosing options with minimal additives is generally healthier for maintaining a nourishing lifestyle.
