Are you sabotaging your meals without even realizing it? We’ll look at 14 terrible ingredients that can instantly ruin your meal. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, being mindful of what goes into your dishes can make a difference in your health and enjoyment of food. Let’s dive in and uncover the dirty truth behind these meal-ruining ingredients!
Celery
Many people who enjoy a Bloody Mary or buffalo wings with dip consider celery essential. Like olives, cucumbers, and cilantro, celery has a very strong flavor that can linger in a dish even after it has been removed. Along with onion and garlic, it is a key ingredient in the “Holy Trinity” of sauce vegetables, but many people don’t like the strong taste or texture of celery.
Liquid Smoke
Real food enthusiasts are not shy about their affection for authentic smoke-infused flavors. However, the general consensus is that the use of liquid smoke is becoming excessive in some recipes. Just a few drops of liquid smoke can give a dish a stronger flavor than intended, so new cooks must use this ingredient sparingly.
Capers
Some individuals enjoy the taste of capers, while others detest them. Whether you love them or hate them, capers have an extremely robust flavor that can overpower everything else. Their use in many dishes and resemblance to other fruits like olives can make it challenging for those who dislike their taste to avoid them. Therefore, it’s advisable to skip this ingredient when cooking for a large group of people.
Cilantro
Some individuals dislike cilantro because of a genetic variation in olfactory-receptor genes. This variation makes them extremely sensitive to the soapy-flavor aldehydes in cilantro leaves, which is why so many people can’t stand the taste of this herb.
Fish Sauce
An important ingredient in various Asian cuisines, fish sauce is a salty condiment produced through the fermentation of fish and salt. It adds a rich taste to dishes and enhances flavor in a wide range of recipes, including stir-fries and marinades. Nonetheless, its pungent smell may deter some people. For those willing to look past the aroma, its savory richness can be essential in crafting authentic dishes.
Food Coloring
There are concerns about the potential serious side effects of artificial food dyes, especially in children. Red 40, for example, may contain cancer-causing contaminants, and there are worries that it could trigger hyperactivity in children. While more research is needed in this area, it might be a good idea to consider using natural sources of color like beet juice, red cabbage, or paprika to color dishes instead of relying solely on artificial food dyes.
Fake Butter
Certain margarine tubs contain saturated fats that can clog arteries and are made with processed oils that may cause inflammation, which can contribute to various health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. To opt for a healthier choice, consider switching to grass-fed butter or choosing a product like Earth Balance, which contains a blend of less processed oils.
Bleached Flour
Using bleached all-purpose flour may give your food a nicer color and help you create soft and tender baked goods, but the bleach chemicals may be harmful to your health. Bleached all-purpose flour can also cause side effects, including obesity, constipation, and chronic inflammation.
Pancake Syrup
Pancake syrup is made from a mixture of corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and caramel coloring, and it’s far from being similar to real maple syrup. It’s recommended to opt for 100 percent maple syrup, as it provides a good amount of magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Canned Vegetables
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen found in the linings of canned foods. Some companies have stopped using BPA, but many still do. In a 2014 survey, the Environmental Working Group found that 78 brands use BPA-lined cans for all of their products, 34 brands use it in some of their products, and only 31 brands use BPA-free canned products. Canned vegetables also contain excessive salt, corn syrup, processed oils, and preservatives.
Canned Fruit
It may seem convenient for baking, but canned fruit can actually lead to consuming more sugar and additives. Even unsweetened fruit in its own juice may lack crucial fiber and have degraded vitamin content. If fresh fruit isn’t practical, frozen fruit is a great alternative as it’s often picked and frozen at its peak, retaining its nutrients.
Full Sodium Broth
When choosing between chicken or vegetable broth, consider that full-sodium versions can contain 500 to 800 milligrams of salt per serving. This is equivalent to three orders of large French fries from McDonald’s! Opt for low-sodium or unsalted broths to help prevent water retention and reduce belly bloat.
Bouillon cubes
Bouillon cubes may seem harmless due to their size, but they actually contain artificial coloring agents and hydrogenated oils. In addition, they have low protein content compared to homemade broths. A homemade broth that simmers for hours contains twice the amount of protein found in bouillon cube broths, making it a healthier choice.
Packed Egg Whites
Eggs from a container are not a healthy choice. This processed product requires synthetic vitamins to boost its nutrient density, making it far from natural eggs.
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