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Lifestyle Desk – Salad has always been considered an important part of healthy eating. From reducing weight to improving digestion and providing essential vitamins and minerals to the body, salad has many benefits. However, many people use packed dressing on salad to enhance its taste. These dressings available in the market may taste great, but their regular consumption can have negative effects on health. Especially they can contribute to increasing the risk of high blood pressure. Let us know how they can cause harm.

Packaged salad dressings contain more sodium

Most packaged salad dressings contain large amounts of sodium added to increase taste and shelf life. Sodium works to retain water in the body, which can increase pressure on blood vessels. When the amount of sodium in the body exceeds the requirement, the risk of increasing blood pressure also increases. Many times people eat salad thinking that they are eating healthy food, but unknowingly consume more salt through the dressing. This condition can be especially worrisome for those who already have high blood pressure, heart disease or kidney problems.

Preservatives and additives can also become a problem

Various types of preservatives and flavoring agents are used in packaged dressings to maintain freshness for a longer period. Some dressings also contain added sugar, artificial flavors and other additives. Excessive consumption of these can affect the body’s metabolism and over time can increase the risk of obesity, insulin resistance and heart- problems.

High calories and fat also have an effect

Many creamy salad dressings are high in saturated fat and calories. Consuming them regularly can lead to weight gain. Experts believe that increasing weight is one of the main causes of high blood pressure. Therefore, using excessive amount of dressing with salad can reduce its nutritional value.

Who need to be more careful?

People who already have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease or obesity should consume packed dressing in limited quantities. Also, it is important to read the nutrition label carefully while purchasing packaged products. Choosing options with less sodium and less sugar is considered relatively better.

Prepare healthy dressing at home

It is advised to give preference to home made dressing instead of dressing available in the market. A delicious and nutritious dressing can be prepared with the help of lemon juice, yogurt, olive oil, black pepper, garlic and fresh herbs. With this, the intake of sodium and unnecessary additives can be reduced.