Dr. Becky Maes - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Becky Maes

Is Tabasco Bad For You?

Also Known As: tabasco sauce


Grade

B


Short answer

Tabasco sauce is not bad for you. With a top designed to make sure people do not use too much, adding a little bit to your meals can come with many benefits.

Grade

B

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

Unless you eat copious amounts, in which case the combination of vinegar and spice could wreak havoc on your stomach, Tabasco sauce is a welcome addition to any diet plan. It does not contribute to your daily vitamin and mineral intake (but then again, it is meant to be used with something that does), but it also does not contribute any fats or calories. What's more is that when so many things seem to be fake, Tabasco sauce is natural - even the salt used comes from mines located under Avery Island, the place where Tabasco sauce has its origins in the late 19th century. There are no artificial colors - the red comes from cayenne pepper, which is matched against a wooden dowel to make sure it is the right color before being harvested.

The benefits of Tabasco sauce come from the capsaicin found in the cayenne pepper and acetic acid found in vinegar. Both have been found to increase fat oxidation, which allows the body to turn fat into energy. This, combined with capsaicin's ability to increase metabolism while suppressing appetite, makes it a great addition for people watching their weight. Also, the cayenne pepper has been shown to have a regulating effect on blood sugar levels, which when combined with vinegar's ability to improve insulin sensitivity in people on high-carb diets, makes for a great way to prevent diabetes - or for diabetics to flavor their food.

It is interesting to note that Tabasco sauce has had royal approval since 2009 from Queen Elizabeth II and is served in the British royal household. It's also fit for the President, being served aboard Air Force One. The only drawback is that Tabasco sauce can contain between 2% to 10% of the RDA for sodium. If cutting back on sodium is important to you, then either avoid or use Tabasco sparingly. Also, if you have problems with indigestion or acid reflux, resist the temptation to use copious amounts.


Possible short-term side effects

  • indigestion
  • acid reflux
  • nausea
  • water retention / dehydration

Possible long-term side effects

  • increased blood pressure

Ingredients to be aware of



Benefits

  • regulates blood sugar
  • increases fat oxidation
  • suppresses appetite
  • relieves nasal congestion
  • helps prevent sinus infection
  • approved for diabetics
  • increases metabolism
  • 100% natural

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Cholula Original Hot Sauce

  • Flavorful heat addition
  • Multiple bottle pack
  • Ideal gift set
  • Versatile sauce
  • 12 fl oz each
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-01-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-01-2023




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