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Business Times
31-07-2025
- Business Times
Jumbo group serves up Cantonese fare at Xing Yue Xuan
NEW RESTAURANT Xing Yue Xuan B1-201 Resorts World Sentosa WEAVE 26 Sentosa Gateway Singapore 098138 Tel: 8031-0096 Open daily for lunch and dinner: 11.30am to 3pm; 5.30pm to 10.30pm DON'T be mistaken that the lines of people plonking themselves outside Xing Yue Xuan – or even the Jumbo Premium restaurant next to it – are waiting for a table. They're just victims of an affliction that seems to strike anyone who sets foot into WEAVE: an uncontrollable urge to sit down. Now, WEAVE – that new lifestyle destination in Resorts World Sentosa – is really big. And it's not even fully open yet. But whether you're there to peep at Pierre Herme, buy a bun at Standard Bakery, or grab a coffee at Coach cafe, you will not find a place to sit anywhere. Anything that remotely resembles a flat surface is already covered by a shorts-clad bum that acts like it paid for season parking with either a cheap drink or a thick skin. The consolation is that you don't have to worry too much about getting into Jumbo Premium, which elevates its familiar chilli-crab-and-everything-else playbook. It's the new baby, Xing Yue Xuan, that intrigues us more. The discreet frontage reveals a scaled-down, intimate, fine-dining Chinese restaurant with private rooms if you want even more secrecy. The manager and servers share an eager-to-please demeanour in the way they try to make you feel at home. It's hard to resist their unpolished earnestness, and their flexibility in letting you swop out dishes in their set menus. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Possibly targeting casino high rollers rather than the hand-held fan-toting hoi polloi, Xing Yue Xuan is predictably on the pricey side. Tasting menus are at S$158 a head, and a smallish a la carte menu touts starters priced from S$8 for a poached chicken roll to S$78 for an individual serving of lobster pao fan. That makes the tasting menu reasonably good value, and a convenient greatest hits compilation if you don't want to trawl through the menu. It's designed to be posh Cantonese with some modern touches, but its finesse is sporadic. It's as if chefs from Jumbo's more-forgiving kitchens were given the directive to go upmarket, causing some mental short-circuitry in the process. They try a little too hard, with shaky attempts at innovation and a 'more is more' approach to seasoning and preparation. A platter of three bites to start off the meal. PHOTO: JAIME EE, BT The meal starts off well enough, with a welcome cup of tea and a crispy tart filled with apple and avocado tossed in a Thousand Island dressing. The 'trio starters platter' (S$18 a person if ordering a la carte) keeps up the momentum, with a sweet, marinated cherry tomato, a roulade of poached chicken rolled with a ginger-spring onion mixture, and a crunchy nest filled with fluffy egg white tossed with a bit of crabmeat and faux caviar. Comforting double-boiled fish maw soup. PHOTO: JAIME EE, BT The highlight is the piping-hot, double-boiled fish maw and kampong chicken soup (S$38 a la carte). It is comforting and collagen-rich, enhanced with morel mushrooms and gelatinous fish maw. Seafood pumpkin soup. PHOTO: JAIME EE, BT A creamy seafood pumpkin soup (which they let us switch to) tastes oddly like the previous broth blended with pumpkin, with fine strips of sea cucumber. It grows on you after a while. Or it might not. The 'fuss-free' chilli crab, so named because the portion comes already shelled. PHOTO: JAIME EE, BT You can top up S$38 a head for Xing Yue Xuan's 'fuss-free' crab, which is proof of where the chef's heart lies. Jumbo's signature chilli crab hits the spot with its savoury, spicy sweetness, and comes with deep-fried mantou on the side. It's called fuss-free because this half-crab portion comprises a shelled claw and some crab meat (S$78 a la carte). Steamed crab in custard and pumpkin broth. PHOTO: JAIME EE, BT But the steamed version disappoints, with the less-than-fresh crabmeat unable to hide in a steamed egg custard covered by pumpkin broth, with two pie tee shells on the side looking like they were told to show up to offer moral support. Spinach and cordyceps flowers in superior broth. PHOTO: JAIME EE, BT A rather thoughtful steamed mound of spinach and cordyceps flowers would have worked better if the vegetables weren't overpowered by an intense superior broth super-boosted by Chinese ham. And the lobster noodles were unfortunately done in by a too-sweet seafood gravy. Braised lobster noodles. PHOTO: JAIME EE, BT Go for the lobster pao fan instead, which comes as part of a performance by your server, who carefully lays fresh shellfish meat into a stone bowl, then pours in some boiling hot broth before topping up with some crispy bits and drops of flavoured oil. The mix of tender lobster, rice, broth and crunchy textures is a satisfying end. The piping-hot lobster broth with rice. PHOTO: JAIME EE, BT A dessert of mango panna cotta and cute cookie shaped like a lion's face are pretty average. The mango panna cotta and lion-shaped cookie for dessert. PHOTO: JAIME EE, BT Xing Yue Xuan is still getting its bearings, so give it some time to evolve, lighten up and shape its identity. It's literally Jumbo repackaged for a well-heeled clientele, but it's got to do more if it wants to win them over from the other side. Rating: 6
Time Out
30-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Daily Provisions just opened a location in Cambridge's Harvard Square
Founded in 2017, Daily Provisions is known for its menu of elevated, yet classic fare in a comfortable neighborhood café vibe. Recently, the restaurant chain opened its tenth location in Cambridge's Harvard Square. Located at 1 Brattle Square, between Mount Auburn and Brattle Streets, this is not only the first of two planned Boston area locations, but also the first location outside of the New York tri-state area. Based on Danny Meyer's original Union Square Café, Daily Provisions is an all-day café known for its breakfast menu featuring its signature Crullers, B.E.C.s with runny egg yolks, and freshly brewed coffee. Lunch fare includes made-to-order sandwiches and salads. These include favorites like the Tuna Salad Sandwich built on toasted sourdough bread with kalamata olive tapenade and arugula and the Chefy Salad made with Gruyere cheese, marinated white beans, cucumbers, chicken, an egg, and Thousand Island dressing. All orders are available for dine-in or to-go. "We've always admired Boston's thriving and inclusive restaurant community – its proximity to New York made it a natural next step for us," Union Square Hospitality Group CEO Chip Wade said in a press release. "We were especially drawn to the city's unique neighborhoods and its warm, welcoming energy. Boston is a place where anyone — students, families, or visitors — can feel at home." Not only is the food memorable, but so too is the space. Featuring large windows, it's all about optimizing natural light and relaxation. The new location also features a breathtaking 14-foot marble bar that sits at the center of this casual restaurant. Guests will also find walnut furniture accents, floor tile inlays, and even custom millwork. Daily Provisions partnered with Boston-area fashion brand Project Paulie to make limited-edition merchandise in celebration of this new location. But not only can you feel perfectly stuffed after enjoying a mouthwatering sandwich or caffeinated by a freshly brewed coffee in a custom t-shirt, or bucket hat, you can feel good that a portion of your purchase of merchandise will go to support a local non-profit that cooks and provides medically tailored meals to those in need called Community Servings.
Style Blueprint
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Style Blueprint
15 Must-Try Sandwich Shops in Nashville
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit Nashville has seriously stepped up its sandwich game in recent years — think expertly layered classics, inventive new topping combinations, and locally-made breads that fill your stomach and your soul. Whether you're into brisket, bánh mì, or a next-level BLT, these must-try spots make a convincing case for planning your day around lunch. Oh, and there are fantastic vegan-friendly options, too! *Listed in alphabetical order 51st Deli Neighborhoods: The Nations & West End What to order: The Reuben, 51st Philly More Info: The beloved 51st Deli is a laidback gem serving everything from breakfast sandwiches to heartier, hot options. There are over 25 sandwiches on the menu, and you can even create your own combo. The 51st Philly is a bit of a local legend, stacked with freshly cut rib-eye (or chicken), gooey American cheese, grilled onions and peppers, all on a hero roll. You can also go classic with the Reuben, which features corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island on marble rye. The deli uses Boar's Head meats and cheeses, so you know it's the real deal. Pin All'Antico Vinaio Neighborhoods: The Gulch & Midtown What to order: La Paradiso, L'Inferno More Info: All'Antico Vinaio officially landed in Nashville in May, and yes, the hype is real. The legendary Florentine sandwich shop offers thick, crusty schiacciata (a Tuscan flatbread that's kind of like a thin, and crispy focaccia) and over-the-top Italian fillings. Fan favorites like L'Inferno (porchetta, nduja cream, grilled vegetables, and arugula) and La Paradiso (Mortadella, stracciatella, pistachio cream, and pistachio) are here in all their glory. Of course, you should also try the Nashville-exclusive: the 'Italian Hot,' a fiery twist on hot chicken with turkey, nduja, and Calabrian hot honey. Pin The BE Hive Deli & Market Neighborhood: East Nashville What to order: Nashville Hot Chxn Sandwich More Info: Who says meat-eaters should have all the fun? The BE Hive in East Nashville is proof that plant-based fare can still pack a punch. This all-vegan deli and market serves indulgent sandwiches like The Picnic (roast beef, cheddar, bacon, tomato, lettuce, onion, chips, and house-made sauce on a baguette) and a killer Reuben — all made with their house-crafted seitan. In fact, the seitan is so good that you'll find it on sandwiches at other local shops like Mitchell Delicatessen. And while Nashville tends to overdo it on the hot chicken dishes, the plant-based Nashville Hot Chxn Sandwich is hands-down the crowd favorite. SB Tip: The BE Hive's market carries the best selection of vegan meats and cheeses around. Pin Bill's Sandwich Palace Neighborhood: East Nashville What to order: Whatever's in rotation! More Info: Bill's rotates sandwiches more than most of us rotate our tires, so it's tough to name just one must-try. It feels like a cop-out to say you can't go wrong, but if the bun fits … Look out for hits like Badass Bill's Beef with Bear Creek Farm braised chuck roast, caramelized onions, horseradish mayo, and pickled veggie giardiniera, or the Cauli Shore, a crispy, saucy cauliflower number with gochujang, scallion and celery slaw, and green goddess ranch. These sandwiches are playful, bold, and never boring. Pin Brotherly Love Cheesesteaks Neighborhood: The Nations What to order: The Cheesesteak More Info: Brotherly Love Cheesesteaks brings an authentic taste of Philly right to the heart of Nashville. Their classic cheesesteak is a fan favorite. Think thinly sliced center-cut ribeye, perfectly grilled and topped with melted cheese, all tucked into a fresh Amoroso roll shipped straight from Philadelphia. It's simple, satisfying, and true to its roots. For a no-frills, flavor-packed bite, Brotherly Love delivers the real deal. Pin Duke's Neighborhood: East Nashville What to order: Salsalito Turkey, Duke's Italian More Info: Duke's in East Nashville keeps the deli vibes chill and the sandwiches stacked. Favorites like the Salsalito Turkey (with its spicy, smoky, sriracha kick) and the loaded Duke's Italian are local go-tos for a reason. Feeling picky? Build your own from a solid lineup of meats, cheeses, and toppings. It's casual, classic, and hits the spot every time. Pin East Side Bánh Mì Neighborhood: East Nashville What to order: The No. 1 More Info: At East Side Bánh Mì, Chef Gracie Nguyen brings big flavor to a deceptively simple sandwich. Each one starts with a house-baked baguette and builds from there — fried shallot mayo, pickled veg, Maggi drizzle, and all the crunch you crave. The No. 1 is a classic: ham hock terrine, pâté, and smoky bologna. But don't sleep on the veggie sandwich with chili crisp tofu and roasted eggplant; it holds its own. It's Vietnamese tradition with a healthy dose of East Nashville swagger. Pin FatBelly Pretzel Bakery & Deli Neighborhood: East Nashville What to order: The Hamma Mia More Info: Get ready for some seriously fun signature sandwiches. FatBelly Pretzel only has half a dozen options, but every single one offers bold flavors on fresh-baked bread. The Hamma Mia is the running favorite, with shaved ham, Genoa salami, creamy mozzarella, and artichoke spread on sourdough focaccia. This combo gets fired up with spicy Italian chili crisp, a balsamic drizzle, and peppery arugula. It's salty, spicy, savory, and just the right amount of fancy. Pin Grilled Cheeserie Neighborhood: Hillsboro Village What to order: The Pimento Mac & Cheese Melt More Info: The Grilled Cheeserie is a beloved Nashville staple, serving up nostalgic comfort with a gourmet twist. Build your own grilled cheese or dive into fan favorites like the Pimento Mac & Cheese — housemade pimento cheese, white cheddar, macaroni, tomato, and Benton's bacon on sourdough. It's best paired with classic tomato soup for the ultimate throwback. And don't miss our runner-up, the bold Quesabirria Melt, loaded with birria beef, white cheddar, cumin-lime aioli, and served with rich dipping juice. Pin JamBox Sandwich Shop Neighborhood: Wedgewood-Houston & Franklin What to order: The Californication More Info: There's some legit sandwich art going on at JamBox Deli, where you can get fun combos with ingredients like apple butter jam, potato chips, and wontons (though not all together). The reigning fan favorite is The Californication, a spicy little number loaded with pulled chicken, pepper jack cheese, jalapeño slaw, Doritos, and red hot chili pepper jam. Get ready; it's totally addictive. Pin Little Hats Neighborhood: Germantown & Franklin What to order: Sausage, Pepper & Onions, Eggplant Parmesan More Info: If you're craving a sandwich that tastes like Nonna cooked it, head to Little Hats Market. The Sausage, Pepper & Onions is a smoky, saucy dream with roasted sausage, pesto rosso, and just enough salsa verde to make you question your life choices (in a good way). Not to be outdone, the Eggplant Parmesan is crispy, cheesy, and gloriously melty. And both are stuffed into a killer Italian sub roll that will have you swooning. Of course, you can also find everything from a classic Caprese to the Mortadella Mufuletta. Bonus: there's a legit Italian market inside stocked with fresh pasta, sauces, olive oils, and everything else you need for an authentic Sunday supper. Pin Mitchell Delicatessen Neighborhood: East Nashville What to order: Smoked BBQ Beef Brisket, Asian Flank Steak More Info: I genuinely don't know how to choose a favorite here, but my go-tos are the Smoked BBQ Beef Brisket and the Asian Flank Steak. The Smoked BBQ Beef Brisket is a masterpiece, loaded with house brisket, onion jam, and lime mayo on a perfect Silke's hoagie. The Asian Flank Steak is piled with marinated steak, provolone, and house-made giardiniera for some crunch. Vegetarians, the Seitan Supreme is super tasty and features BE Hive seitan! Also worth trying: French dip with au jus and the turkey brie — savory, sweet, and a little fancy without trying too hard. There's also a soup and salad bar, and you can snag some locally sourced market items, too. They stock everything from Drew's Brews coffee to Benton's bacon and stone-ground grits. Pin Music City Sandwich Company Neighborhood: East Nashville What to order: Build your own! More Info: Instagram In February, musician Jason Eskridge opened Music City Sandwich Co., introducing East Tennessee-style steamed sandwiches to the area. The shop offers a build-your-own sandwich experience, allowing you to select your preferred bread (Charpier's white bread or pumpernickel rye), meats (including turkey, ham, roast beef, and bacon), vegetables (from lettuce and tomato to banana peppers and sauerkraut), and sauces (think deli mustard, horseradish, and hot honey). Jason grew up near Knoxville and was inspired to fill the local void of steamed sandwich options reminiscent of his upbringing. The shop's motto is 'Hunger is not a game,' and we're here for it. Pin Tower Market & Deli Neighborhood: East Nashville What to order: The East Nasty More Info: Sandwiches abound on the Tower Market & Deli menu. We're talking over 40 options for sandwiches alone, so you aren't running out of choices anytime soon. While it's tough to select a favorite, one of the most popular is the East Nasty, and it's more than just a fun name. Sink your teeth into spicy breaded chicken breast, capicola ham, jalapeño bacon, pepper jack cheese, and sabi sauce on a ciabatta roll. Pin Turkey and The Wolf Ice House Neighborhood: East Nashville What to order: Fried Bologna, Collard Green Melt More Info: Turkey and the Wolf Ice House landed in East Nashville a few months ago, bringing its quirky New Orleans charm to 800 Meridian Street. This counter-service spot is a nostalgic nod to the '90s, complete with playful decor and outdoor picnic seating. The menu features bold, flavor-packed sandwiches like the iconic Fried Bologna — griddled bologna with hot mustard, mayo, American cheese, and a heap of potato chips on thick toast. But the most talked-about sandwich may be the Collard Green Melt, with slow-cooked collards, Swiss cheese, pickled cherry pepper Russian dressing, and coleslaw on toasted rye. It's a funky, flavor-forward experience that's quickly becoming a local favorite. Pin ********** To stay in the know on the best ways to drink and dine your way through the South, subscribe to StyleBlueprint. About the Author Jenna Bratcher Jenna Bratcher is StyleBlueprint Nashville's Associate Editor and Lead Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville 17 years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.
Los Angeles Times
12-05-2025
- General
- Los Angeles Times
The best pastrami dip sandwich in the city may be at this Westlake deli
Langer's Delicatessen may be the most consistent restaurant in Los Angeles. It's so consistent that my order hasn't deviated in 35 years. The No. 1 with an extra side of Russian dressing for dipping. 'You used to suck on the pickles before your teeth came in,' says my father during a recent lunch. The tufted brown leather squeaks as we both shift in our seats. He's been coming to the deli since before I was born. He's there once a week, sometimes more. He often tells himself that this week, he will order the chef's salad. 'But then I smell the pastrami, and, well,' he says with a shrug of his shoulders. The most popular Langer's sandwich is the No. 19, a tower of pastrami, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing served on double-baked rye bread. It was created by the late Al Langer, who opened the deli in 1947. The No. 1, also my dad's favorite, is almost identical, minus the Swiss cheese. It is the only time I will not invite cheese to a party. The Russian dressing, a thick, chunky Thousand Island, is rich enough. It took a recent visit with a friend from Kentucky for me to stray from my usual order. Before our lunch, I told her that Langer's was home to the best pastrami sandwich in the universe. But I never specified which of the dozen ways to order pastrami on bread at the restaurant. When it came time to order, she chose the pastrami French dip ($26). The sandwich is served on a golden French roll made by Fred's Bakery and Deli, the same Beverlywood bakery that has been making the restaurant's rye bread for more than 45 years. It's undressed, soft and airy with crust that's crisp but yields on contact. The mountain of pastrami in the middle is seven-slices high. It's arranged in such a way that the meat covers every inch of bread, then just barely hangs over the edge in enticing fragments you can pluck out whenever the fancy strikes. The pastrami is the same on all of the Langer's sandwiches, made by RC Provisions in Burbank for more than 45 years. It's a recipe from Al, whose son Norm Langer owns and runs the deli. The meat is brined, rubbed in a spice blend then smoked. It's steamed at the restaurant for anywhere from 2½ to 5 hours, losing about 35% of its mass in the process. When it emerges from the steamer, quivering and glistening, it is so delicate, it barely survives the blade of the knife, collapsing into a heap of fat and smoke on the cutting board. Each slice is crowned with a layer of bark, jet black-edged and hot with pepper. There's a rim of fat (unless you order your pastrami lean) that melts into the reddish-pink beef beneath. The cup of jus on the side is deep in color and flavor, salty but balanced enough to sip. 'This sandwich has been on the menu since before you were born,' Langer says. 'It used to be more popular years ago.' It is not a sexy sandwich. There are no striations of condiments. Just pink on beige with more brown for dipping. 'The pastrami dip in my place is not the big deal,' Langer says. 'It's great. It's excellent, but people come to me [and] they want the No. 19. If you ask me how much do I sell in comparison to everything else, very little.' But maybe it should be the big deal. Much in the same way that pastrami purists will order plain pastrami on rye, or even a pile of pastrami on a plate, I'd argue that the pastrami dip may be the purest sandwich of them all. Without the bite of rye seeds, the pastrami's smoke is bolder, its black pepper hotter on the tongue. The roll is more sponge than vessel, soaking up just enough au jus to moisten the sandwich without capitulating to the broth completely. A squirt of hot brown mustard every third bite helps penetrate the richness and heightens the spice. Its a sandwich resplendent in its restraint, the three ingredients each allowed to enrapture your senses. 'People have Philippe's in mind when they hear French dip,' Langer says. 'Or they think of the Hat. They don't think Langer's.' But do people think Los Angeles when they think of the pastrami dip? The late, great Jonathan Gold once called the sandwich a saving grace for the city's bad pastrami. 'Perhaps the ultimate Bad Pastrami experience in Los Angeles is the pastrami dip, which combines French dip form with Bad Pastrami function, pungent ethnic excess structured like a genteel downtown businessman's lunch,' he wrote. The pastrami dip is a creation deeply ingrained in Los Angeles sandwich culture, with no shortage of restaurants advertising their world-famous sandwiches. Two downtown Los Angeles restaurants, Philippe the Original and Cole's French Dip, claim to have created the French dip sandwich in the early 20th century. At Philippe the Original, the rolls are crusty and sturdy around a generous cluster of thinly sliced pastrami. On its own, the pastrami is tough and rubbery, with pockets of black pepper wherever there's a bite with bark. It's a sandwich ($15.50) that requires a double dip in the jus when ordering and an extra side of jus for dipping. The hot mustard helps. It will tingle your nostrils. At Cole's, the French rolls are a deeper gold, toasted on the insides, more substantial and chewier. The pastrami is a thicker cut, gristly, all smoke with no pepper. It's less abundant in the sandwich, the architecture lacking with a few meatless corners. Like at Philippe's, the sandwich ($23) requires a few dips in the cup of jus to hide a multitude of shortcomings. Sandwiches by Connal in Pasadena serves a pastrami dip sandwich ($13.99) with a dip so slight, the roll and meat are dry. The pastrami is sliced into rugged, uneven slabs that taste like smoked ham. With yellow mustard and pickles, it eats like the sort of sandwich you might make the morning after a holiday dinner. The pastrami at the Hat locations around Los Angeles and Orange County fall into a different category, one that I associate with the pastrami you find at burger joints all over the city. It's shaved into unruly ribbons, and half the contents spill from the sandwich. The Hat's 'world-famous pastrami dip' ($12.60) is painted with yellow mustard and a smattering of pickles on the bottom half of the roll, while the top half is dipped into a vat of jus. The salt, fat and juice smother the pickles and mustard, snuffing out the vinegar and tang. A bombardment of pastrami on a roll. The welcome theme of pastrami excess is echoed at Johnnie's Pastrami. Brothers Eddie and Eli Passy opened the restaurant on Sepulveda Boulevard in Culver City in 1952. When they took over the space, the signage for the property read 'Johnnies Pastrami.' It was too expensive to change, so despite there not being a Johnny involved in the operation, the name stuck. At the time, the pastrami dip sandwich was $0.70. Like the Hat, the Johnnie's Pastrami dip ($19.25) is crammed with shaved pastrami, only the meat is even thinner, more tender and with a heavier smack of smoke and maybe a little garlic. A single dip of the top bun into the drippings will suffice, but if you dine in, you can ask for an extra cup on the side. Can any of these sandwiches compete with the pastrami dip at Langer's? It was never a fair fight. While you could happily eat a plate of Langer's pastrami bare, the same cannot be said for the others. The pastrami dip sandwiches of Los Angeles are their own breed of sandwich, built upon the New York deli pastrami sandwiches that gradually made their way west in the 1930s and '40s. The dips are wet, messy behemoths of meat, juice and bread. Grittier and humbler than their East Coast predecessors. There will always be bickering when it comes to pastrami. Which style is best. The correct condiments. To dip or not to dip. Who makes the best. This column will no doubt stoke the fires. Dress the sandwich up or down however you like. But if your goal is to eat the best pastrami, to appreciate the hours of smoke and steam, make sure it's from Langer's.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A Cardiovascular Dietitian Says This Hidden Ingredient Could Be Wreaking Havoc on Heart Health
If one of your health goals is prioritizing heart health, you're likely being mindful about what you eat. It's encouraging to know that an estimated 80% of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, are preventable through healthy diet and lifestyle habits. Having a heart-healthy diet doesn't mean missing out on delicious foods either. There are endless meals you can create with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fish, plant-based proteins and lean animal proteins. But even if you're mindful of what you eat, unhealthy ingredients can pop up in unlikely places. In fact, registered dietitians specializing in heart health say that there is one salad ingredient many people use that can take away from the health benefits of an otherwise nutritious meal. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 Salads are a notoriously nutrient-rich meal, but it's important to read the label of the salad dressing you're using; it could be high in added sugars, which negatively impact heart health. That means, if you have a salad every day for lunch, you could be unknowingly eating a high-sugar meal daily without even realizing it. 'Salad dressing can be a sneaky source of hidden sugar that many don't consider. Sugar is often added to dressings like ranch, French, Thousand Island and balsamic vinaigrettes to boost flavor and texture,' says Michelle Routhenstein, MS RD CDCES CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian and certified diabetes educator. Related: Dr. Matthew Landry, PhD, RDN,an Assistant Professor of Population Health and Disease Prevention at the University of California, Irvine, also says that some salad dressings can be total sugar bombs. 'Most 'fat-free' or 'low-fat' dressings contain extra sugar to make up for the missing fat flavor. Even salad dressing that might seem healthy, like balsamic vinaigrette or Asian-inspired options, may have sugar in the ingredient list,' he says. Because of this, both experts say it's important to read the ingredients list and nutrition label when shopping for salad dressing so you can be aware of its sugar content. Dr. Landry and Routhenstein emphasize that a diet that's high in added sugar negatively impacts the heart. 'Excessive sugar intake contributes to fat buildup in the arteries, raising the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. [It] increases triglyceride levels, blood pressure and can lead to obesity and insulin resistance, which can also negatively impact heart health,' Routhenstein says. Dr. Landry explains that over time, eating lots of sugar can make it harder for the body to process insulin properly, which can lead to diabetes. 'Diets high in added sugars can elevate unhealthy fats and reduce HDL cholesterol—our 'good' cholesterol—both of which increase the risk of heart disease,' he says, echoing Routhenstein. In addition to containing added sugar, Dr. Landry says that some salad dressings are high in sodium, which can also negatively impact heart health. 'Too much sodium can raise blood pressure and increase heart disease risk,' he says. If a salad dressing is high in sodium, you know it isn't a heart-healthy choice. Related: If you're a salad dressing lover, learning that your go-to condiment may be high in sugar or salt can be an unwelcome surprise. Does that mean you have to eat naked greens by the forkful? Absolutely not. Both experts say that there are many nutritious salad dressings out there; you just have to read the ingredients list and nutritional panel to make sure the one you're eyeing is a healthy one. Additionally, both say it can be easy and healthier to make your own salad dressings. 'Making your own dressing is the best option because you can control what goes into it. Try mixing olive oil with lemon juice or vinegar, then add herbs and spices for flavor,' Dr. Landry says. In fact, he explains that adding herbs—like basil and oregano, for example—make your salad dressing even more heart-healthy because they are high in antioxidants. Related: If you like creamy salad dressings, Dr. Landry says to incorporate mashed avocado into your dressing to give it the thickness you're after. Routhenstein adds that Greek yogurt is another nutritious ingredient that can be used to make creamy salad dressings. Consider this just another reminder to do your label-reading when grocery shopping. That way, unhealthy ingredients can't weasel their way into your otherwise nutritious meals. And it just may inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and make your own healthy dressings. Up Next:Michelle Routhenstein, MS RD CDCES CDN, preventive cardiology dietitian and certified diabetes educator Dr. Matthew Landry, PhD, RDN,Assistant Professor of Population Health and Disease Prevention at the University of California, Irvine
