Viral: Is your ketchup safe? Video sparks fresh food safety concerns
Image credits: Getty Images
There are very few dishes in the world that don't taste better with ketchup. From pizza and burgers to meatloaf and even eggs, people pair ketchup with the strangest of dishes as it makes everything taste delicious.
But have you ever wondered how the sweet sauce that is produced on such a large scale and loved by all, is made? What are the real ingredients of store-bought ketchup and is it truly safe for consumption? A viral video seems to have the answer.
A video going viral on X showed what ingredients are added to a ketchup to make it taste like a tomato sauce when in reality, it isn't one. In the video, the narrator described ketchup as a "chemical cocktail disguised as an innocent sauce."
They explained that the sauce contained "refined sugar, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid from GMO mould, sodium benzoate and artificial flavours." This ingredient list is designed to trick your brain into craving the concoction more.
While the natural benefits of tomatoes get lost in the hours of chemical processing, what's left is a sugary syrup that creates an addiction. The narrator also claimed that one tablespoon of ketchup has "more sugar than a cookie" and more salt than a "serving of French fries."
They ended the video with a suggestion to always check the ingredients of the things you come to love to consume.
The video has garnered over 1.1M views and 222 comments with people agreeing to it and sharing that they check the label before buying or making the sauce at home.
Is the ketchup truly safe for consumption?
Image credits: Getty Images
A
study
published in the European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety stated that a higher amount of different heavy metals might be contributed by the addition of spices and other ingredients to industrially processed tomato ketchup, adding that the population that was exposed to the was in a level of concern interval.
According to the
USDA
Nutrient Database, 1 tablespoon of ketchup contains 19 calories, 154 mg of sodium and 4 gm of sugar, which is not healthy.
Eating a high amount of commercially made ketchup can lead to health problems like acid reflux, obesity, heart diseases, kidney stones and more.
Thus, it is suggested to look for brands of ketchup whose labels mention low sodium or no salt added, no sugar added and no high fructose syrup varieties.
A healthier way of consuming ketchup would be making it at home or swapping it with healthier sauces like hummus or salsa.
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Tom Brady's ex-wife Gisele Bündchen's mental health comments ignited firestorm—critics say she promotes ‘toxic wellness'
Gisele Bündchen's claims on mental health solutions (Getty Images) Gisele Bündchen reflected on panic attacks and her natural approach to healing Gisele Bündchen's comments on medication stirred controversy for seeming dismissive Gisele Bündchen may be one of the most iconic supermodels in the world, but her comments on mental health treatment have stirred up controversy and criticism. In a resurfaced 2020 interview with The Observer, the Brazilian star opened up about her personal struggles with anxiety and panic attacks—but it's how she spoke about recovery that raised Bündchen shared her experience with mental health in candid detail. 'When I had a panic attack, I thought I was going to die. I was scared. I couldn't breathe,' she recalled. The model, who rose to global fame in her early twenties, explained that the fast-paced, high-pressure fashion industry took a toll on her of seeking pharmaceutical help, Bündchen said she turned to holistic practices. 'I do it because it makes me feel better. It makes me happier in my life. I make those choices because it gives me something right back,' she explained, referring to her lifestyle of clean eating, yoga, and backlash came when she addressed how others manage similar struggles. In the interview, Bündchen stated, 'They just have to make the decision of working at it. That's the problem with today's society, people want instant gratification where it's you know: 'I want to do something and [when] I wake up I want to look like this.'I'm like, 'Er, well, you know for me to cure my panic attacks, it took months. I could have taken a pill, but I decided no. ''Many critics viewed her remarks as dismissive of those who rely on medication to treat serious mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. In a strongly worded response, a columnist for The Independent emphasized that while yoga and breathwork may help, 'appropriate medication, such as antidepressants, are vital for many.'While Bündchen's personal approach may have worked for her, experts warn against a one-size-fits-all mindset. Dismissing medication as 'instant gratification' reinforces damaging stigmas about psychiatric treatments that can be Read: 'Exhausting to spend time with': Tom Brady branded an man diva as insiders expose his troubled dating life after Gisele Bündchen split Gisele's story, while deeply personal, highlights an ongoing challenge in mental health discourse—finding space for multiple paths to healing without invalidating the experiences of others.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Our Secret Weapon Against Diabetes: Why Yoga Isn't Just for Grown-Ups (or Gurus!)
As a diabetologist who spends a lot of time helping people in India deal with diabetes , I see a huge problem. Millions of people, even young ones, are struggling with this condition, and many more are on their way. We usually talk about medicines and special diets, which are super important. But there's this amazing ancient practice called Yoga that can be a game-changer, and it's time we all understand why. For a long time, some doctors and even regular folks thought Yoga was just for super spiritual people or something you do when you're older and want to stretch. That's totally wrong! Science , especially a lot of new research right here in India, is proving that Yoga can do incredible things for your body and mind, especially if you have diabetes or want to prevent it. Think of it like this: Yoga isn't a replacement for your doctor or your medicines. It's like adding a powerful superpower to your health routine. It's a way to help your body heal itself and work better. So, let's break down five big reasons why Yoga should be a regular part of your life, whether you have diabetes or just want to stay healthy. And we'll clear up some common misunderstandings along the way! 1. Make Your Body Listen Better to Insulin: It's Like a Bluetooth Upgrade for Your Cells! The Science: Imagine your body's cells are like speakers, and insulin is the music. In diabetes, sometimes those speakers aren't very good at picking up the insulin music, so your blood sugar goes up. This is called "insulin resistance." What Yoga does is make your cells better listeners. When you do Yoga poses (those stretches and holds) and special breathing exercises, it helps your muscles soak up more sugar from your blood. It's like giving them a boost! Plus, Yoga can even help your pancreas – the organ that makes insulin – work a little more smoothly. It's not a magic fix, but it definitely helps the system run better. Myth Buster: 'Yoga can cure my diabetes, so I can ditch my pills!' BIG NO! This is super dangerous. Yoga is like a powerful assistant to your medication, not a replacement. If you stop your meds because you're doing Yoga, your blood sugar can go wild, and that's really bad for your health. Always, always talk to your doctor before changing anything about your treatment plan. Yoga helps, but it doesn't make diabetes disappear. 2. Chill Out and Lower Your Stress: Say Goodbye to Sugar Spikes from Worries! The Science: Ever notice how stress makes you feel yucky? Well, it also messes with your blood sugar. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol (the "stress hormone"). These hormones tell your body to pump out more sugar, which is terrible for diabetes. Yoga is like a reset button for your stress levels. Those breathing exercises and quiet moments in Yoga actually calm down your body's "fight or flight" response. It's like switching off the alarm system that's constantly yelling at your body. When you're calmer, your body makes less stress hormones, and your blood sugar tends to be more stable. Plus, learning to be more mindful (just being aware of what's happening in the moment) can help you avoid stress-eating or making unhealthy choices when you're feeling down. Myth Buster: 'Yoga is just stretching and relaxing; it doesn't actually affect my blood sugar.' Think again! While stretching feels good, the real magic of Yoga is how it calms your nervous system and reduces those stress hormones. This directly helps your blood sugar. It's not just about being flexible; it's about controlling your body's internal chemistry. 3. Get in Shape the Gentle Way: Hello, Healthy Weight! The Science: Carrying extra weight, especially around your belly, makes it harder for your body to handle sugar. While intense workouts are great, Yoga offers a gentler way to get fit and manage your weight, especially if high-impact exercises aren't your thing (yet!). Some Yoga sequences, like Sun Salutations (a series of flowing poses), can get your heart pumping and help you burn calories. Plus, many poses strengthen your core muscles, which can help reduce belly fat – that's the kind of fat that's really linked to diabetes. Beyond just burning calories, Yoga helps you become more aware of your body. This means you're more likely to notice when you're actually hungry versus just bored or stressed. This "mindful eating" can make a huge difference in making healthier food choices and managing your weight in the long run. Myth Buster: 'Yoga is too slow to help me lose weight or burn calories.' While you might not sweat as much as in a sprint, regular Yoga practice helps your body work more efficiently. And the biggest win for weight management is how Yoga helps you make smarter food choices and reduces stress-eating. It's a marathon, not a sprint, for sustainable weight loss. 4. Protect Your Heart: A Shield Against Future Problems! The Science: Diabetes can be tough on your heart and blood vessels. It makes you more prone to heart disease and strokes. But guess what? Yoga can be like a protective shield! Many Yoga practices, especially deep breathing and relaxing poses, can help lower your blood pressure. It's like letting the air out of a too-tight balloon in your veins. Yoga can also help improve your cholesterol levels – reducing the "bad" cholesterol and boosting the "good" kind. All of this is fantastic for keeping your heart healthy and strong. Myth Buster: 'Yoga only makes me flexible; it doesn't help my insides.' Totally false! Yoga is a whole-body workout for your internal systems too. The combination of poses, breathing, and relaxation directly affects your heart, blood vessels, and other organs, making them work better and stay healthier. 5. Take Charge of Your Health: You're the Boss! The Science: Managing diabetes every single day can feel like a lot of work. Sometimes you might feel frustrated or overwhelmed. Yoga helps you feel more in control and gives you the tools to manage your health better. As you practice Yoga, you become more aware of your body – how your blood sugar feels, what triggers your stress, etc. This heightened awareness helps you make smarter choices about your food and activity. The discipline you learn in Yoga can also spill over into other parts of your life, making it easier to stick to your doctor's advice. And let's not forget, Yoga is amazing for dealing with stress and anxiety, which can make living with a chronic condition like diabetes much easier. Myth Buster: 'Yoga is a religious thing, not a medical thing.' While Yoga has ancient roots and can be spiritual for some, its benefits for your body and mind are proven by science. As doctors, we care about what works to make you healthier, regardless of its origin. You can practice Yoga for its health benefits without changing your beliefs. So, there you have it! Yoga isn't just a trend or something your grandma does. It's a powerful, science-backed tool that can make a real difference in managing diabetes and boosting your overall health. Talk to your parents and your doctor about giving it a try. Find a good Yoga instructor who understands health conditions. It could be one of the best decisions you make for your health, now and in the future! This article is written by Dr. V Mohan, Chairman & Chief of Diabetology, Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre & President, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, India and Dr. Ashish Mendhi, Program Director, Hinduja Foundation (DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and does not necessarily subscribe to it. shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly)
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Luxury skincare expansion: L'Oreal acquires majority stake in Medik8; announces 1 billion Euro deal
Cosmetics maker L'Oreal agreed to acquire a majority stake in British skincare brand Medik8, in a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the booming skincare market. The French beauty giant announced the deal on Monday, though financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction, which sees UK-based private equity firm Inflexion selling its majority holding, reportedly values Medik8 at around 1 billion Euro, according to a source familiar with the matter. Inflexion will retain a minority share, while L'Oreal has secured the option to eventually buy out all remaining shareholders, Reuters reported. 'We are delighted to welcome Medik8 to the L'Oréal family. As a premium skincare range, with high levels of proven efficacy at an accessible price point, Medik8 perfectly complements our existing skincare portfolio,' Cyril Chaupuy, president of L'oreal Luxe said. 'This acquisition further strengthens L'Oreal's luxe portfolio, adding a premium science-backed skincare brand with a proven track record of success, with strong potential for global growth,' the company said in a statement. L'Oreal will begin consolidating Medik8's sales once the transaction officially closes. The acquisition is expected to be finalised in the coming months, pending regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions. Simon Coble, CEO of Medik8 also expressed excitement on the brand's behalf. 'I am delighted to be joining forces with a company which shares our vision for the brand's future growth and whose core values align with our deep commitment to science, innovation and above all, results without compromise. I look forward to the next stage in Medik8's journey, as we work together to bring our innovative products to a wider audience.' Founded in the UK, Medik8 has built a loyal customer base with its vitamin A-focused anti-ageing creams and serums. The brand is seen as a natural fit for L'Oreal's luxury division, which includes skincare and fragrance names such as Lancome, Aesop, and Miu Miu. Last year, sales in L'Oreal's luxe segment grew by just 2.7%, its weakest performance across divisions, as inflation pushed consumers toward more affordable alternatives. However, the unit scrored better than rival LVMH's beauty arm. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
