5 Healthy Condiments You might think Were Bad

Have you ever thought about how old the recipe for that pickle bottle on your dining table is? Whether it is your favourite Mango or Imli Chutney, Aam ka achar, or ‘Aamle ka murabba,' they all have their little histories. It's fun to know that those condiments have never been able to keep their "secret recipes" a secret! These have either been passed down by our grandmothers or stolen, and that's how we got our dearest condiment.

Every decade, a new eating habit emerges, convincing us what we should leave on the rack and what we should put in the trolley. Our diet has changed from a gluten-free to a low-carb diet that includes brown rice, ragi and millet flour in search of the perfect healthy diet. So do condiments. 

For example, when we realized that most tomato ketchup from gazillion brands is loaded with questionable ingredients like MSG (monosodium glutamate), and fructose corn syrup, many switched to making homemade versions. Nevertheless, the market will never cease to offer us new, 'can't-resist' varieties of condiments. Not everything out there can make us ill. Some are even good.

           We need to ask, are we picking up the healthy ones? The media often misleads us, leading us to believe that most of those condiments are unhealthy. Here are some natural condiments that aren't just delicious, but their health facts could change your view of them.

5 healthy condiments you might think were bad:

1. Peanut Butter : Nutritious, protein-rich peanut butter is every urban household's favourite, thanks to its irresistible flavour and high nutritional value. Peanut butter helps you lose weight, prevents gallstones, regulates blood pressure, and sugar, and works to increase good cholesterol, which reduces your chances of suffering a heart attack. Peanut butter contains low moisture, which prolongs its shelf life. According to the stats, in India alone Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and other metro cities record high peanut butter consumption, and it is believed to be a never an out-of-stock among other natural condiments. For your special bottle of naturally made peanut butter; spicey or gluten-free one? you choose, from the set.

2. Pesto Sauce : A Rome sauce widely used as a spread on bread in Italy. A mouth-watering low-calorie salad dressing is ready when you mix it with mayonnaise or olive oil! Pesto can also be incorporated into pasta, roti rolls, sandwiches, risotto, rice, and mashed potatoes. Traditionally, pesto is made with olive oil, Genovese basil, coarse salt, garlic, European pine nuts (sometimes toasted)/almonds, and grated parmesan cheese. Also, there are scrumptious creative versions of it. If you want to save some time and still enjoy a healthy and tasty naturally made pesto with a twist, you must try - Kissan Se Kitchen Tak. 

3. Honey Mustard sauce : Mustard is a key ingredient in many natural condiments.The spice is commonly found in East-Indian masala pastes, cuisines, and pickles. Honey can help build immunity. Honey mustard paste is becoming increasingly popular as a natural condiment and pairs exceptionally well with roti and bread spreads. Don't miss out on this delicious sandwich experience! Natural mustard honey will treat your cold and cough, as well as keep your glycogen and cholesterol levels in check. The combination of honey and mustard keeps the body warm during the winter months. Check out a healthy yet yummy Honey Mustard Sauce from here.

    4. Apple Cider Vinegar : In recent times, ACV has gained popularity among weight watchers and renowned dieticians for its weight-loss and anti-inflammatory properties as it suppresses binge-eating disorders, helps clear skin issues, controls blood sugar, and keeps a check on diabetes. So, why do people find it intimidating? The answer is in its name ‘vinegar’, while having a warm glass of water diluted ACV one must ensure to use a straw as it erodes teeth enamel. But, seasoning a tablespoon of it in your salad takes your salad to another level in respect of health plus taste scores! Try this Organic Wellness ACV with mother and a twist of garlic- ginger flavor.

5. Indian Pickles/Achaar/Urukey : Often besmirched as unhealthy by the ultra-modern clans, its benefits are underestimated. Come on! Pickles have not been passed on through generations just for their delectability but also for their health benefits. Indians love paranthas paired with their favourite ‘aam(mango) ka’ or ‘sample(gooseberry) ka achar/murabba’. Not many are aware of the power of pickles. Vegetable pickles are packed with vitamins and minerals. Gooseberry is an amazing immunity booster and so are their pickles/achars. Pickles also aid in digestion and are best for low blood sugar patients.

Next time when you plan to stock up your kitchen pantry or fridge with spreads and sauces, be a little mindful and invest in healthy natural condiments. Relish your spoonful of palatable yet guilt-free condiments!

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