The white creamy dressing that makes veggies taste so much better can be a health hazard if you consume too much. Although a staggering 143 million Americans used prepared ranch salad dressing in 2020, medical experts warn that overdoing it can hurt your heart and waistline.
According to Eat This, Not That!, ranch dressing has 320 milligrams of sodium in a single two-tablespoon serving. Consuming too much sodium can raise blood pressure which increases your risk of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.
One serving of ranch dressing also has over two grams of fat that can affect your cholesterol levels. Depending on the brand you buy, chances are that your dressing is also high in calories, which can pack on the pounds and lead to obesity and obesity-related diseases such as some forms of cancer and diabetes.
According to Livestrong, ranch dressing can contain up to 4 grams of sugar or more per serving. Too much added sugar in the diet also increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and cavities, says recent research published in Translational Medicine.
Experts say you do not have to give up ranch dressing if you find a brand that is low in calories, saturated fat, and sugar. However, you can create a much healthier DIY version by mixing low-fat, protein-rich Greek yogurt with fresh lemon juice, parsley, onion powder, Dijon mustard, and chopped chives. Season with black pepper and a dash of salt, stir well, and serve, according to Livestrong.
Lynn C. Allison ✉
Lynn C. Allison, a Newsmax health reporter, is an award-winning medical journalist and author of more than 30 self-help books.
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