"Are Hot Dogs Unhealthy?" The Hidden Heart and Brain "Protective Power" of Mustard: Reasons Why Its Low Calories Can Also Help Manage Blood Sugar Levels

The Sidekick of Hot Dogs That Was Actually "Star-Level"

In the stands of a baseball stadium, a long line forms in front of a food stall. Alongside ketchup, the yellow mustard always appears on the hot dog placed on a paper tray.
In America, it's said that about 300 million people use yellow mustard as a condiment, making it truly a "national sauce."The Independent

However, perhaps due to the strong image of hot dogs as junk food, mustard is often lumped together as "bad for your health." Yet, according to the latest findings introduced in an article by the British newspaper The Independent, this yellow sauce is actually an "honor student" condiment that supports heart and brain health.The Independent

Here, we will summarize the nutrition, history, and social media reactions to mustard and consider "how to engage with it to slightly reduce the guilt of eating hot dogs."

A "Small but Reliable Fat" Containing Omega-3

What has significantly boosted mustard's healthy image is the presence of omega-3 fatty acids. Mustard seeds and powder are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, some of which function as omega-3.The Independent

• 1 tablespoon of mustard

  • Unsaturated fatty acids: Over 2g

  • Of which omega-3: Approximately 0.6g

• Recommended intake (approximate)

  • Men: 1.6g/day

  • Women: 1.1g/dayThe Independent

Although the amount is modest compared to fish and nuts, using it throughout the day in ways like "pouring it generously on hot dogs" or "using it in salad dressings and marinades" can boost your base omega-3 intake.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been researched for their numerous health benefits, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, suppressing inflammation, and maintaining brain and cognitive functions.
Of course, "covering the necessary amount with just mustard" is not realistic, but as an "extra source" in your regular diet, it is quite excellent.

Vitamins and Minerals Are Also Surprisingly Impressive

Besides omega-3, mustard is packed with various nutrients. According to medical information cited in the article, foods rich in omega-3 (including mustard seeds) provide the following nutrients.The Independent

• Vitamin A: Supports eye health and immune function

• Selenium: Has antioxidant properties and is involved in immune and thyroid function

• Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): Necessary for cell division and blood formation

• Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium: Essential minerals for bones, teeth, and muscle function

The amount of mustard used at one time is small, and it doesn't fulfill the daily requirement on its own. However, for those who want to choose something that adds a little nutritional value over something with none, it's a very smart choice.

Additionally, its very low calorie content is noteworthy.

• Per teaspoon of mustard (one individual packet): About 3 kcalThe Independent

Compared to using the same amount of mayonnaise or creamy dressing, the calorie difference is clear. Simply "replacing" condiments with mustard during a diet can gradually lower your total daily calorie intake.

Positive Effects on Blood Sugar? A Teaspoon "Experiment" and Animal Research

An interesting point in the article is the relationship between mustard and blood sugar levels.

• In a case study conducted in the UK, three pre-diabetic individuals were given a teaspoon of whole grain mustard, which reportedly reduced their blood sugar levels by nearly half.The Independent

• In a 2019 animal experiment conducted by Indian researchers, mustard was found to have a positive effect on blood sugar control in 24 diabetic model rats.The Independent

However, both studies had small sample sizes or were animal experiments, so the evidence is still in its early stages.
It's not at all a story of "just eating mustard will cure diabetes."

Nonetheless,

・Switching from high-calorie sauces to mustard can make it harder to gain weight
・You can choose condiments that don't exacerbate blood sugar spikes

In this sense, it seems valuable as a "choice that doesn't add negatives" for those concerned about carbohydrates and blood sugar levels.

A Presence Between Food and Medicine with Over 3000 Years of History

The story of mustard goes back far beyond modern hot dog stands,to around 3000 BC. According to the article, the Sumerians of ancient Mesopotamia already used mustard in cooking and as a spice to mask the smell of spoiled food.The Independent

Furthermore, mustard has long been used infolk medicine.

• It was thought to have disinfectant properties and was used for wound care

• It was believed to help treat and alleviate colds and influenzaThe Independent

In the early 20th century, the French brothers in Rochester, New York, developed **"French's Classic Yellow Mustard"** by adding turmeric to white and brown mustard seeds. This was served as a topping for hot dogs at the St. Louis World's Fair and spread across the United States.The Independent

Today, more than 18 types of mustard are known, including whole grain mustard, Dijon, and honey mustard, and are used in various settings such as cheese, charcuterie, sandwiches, salads, and meat dishes.The Independent

Behind that single yellow bottle lies a history and culture spanning 3000 years.

On Social Media, "A Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card?" and "Skeptical Comments" Intersect

When such articles are published, social media is the first to buzz. Based on actual posts and trends, reactions can be roughly categorized as follows (summarized without disclosing poster names).

1. The "Guilt of Eating Hot Dogs Slightly Eased" Group

On X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, these voices stand out.

• "I thought hot dogs were bad, but is it true that mustard is actually good for you?"

• "I'm on a diet, but mustard is only 3 kcal, so it's okay to pour it on, right?"

• "I used to use ketchup + mayo, but from now on, I'm switching to ketchup + mustard!"

It seems there's a sense of relief as if a "get-out-of-jail-free card" has been granted to the hot dog, once a "symbol of junk food."

2. The Realists Who Say "If You're Changing Condiments, It's Worth It"

Meanwhile, a more level-headed group has this perspective.

• "Hot dogs don't become healthy, but mustard is better than mayo."

• "If changing the sauce lowers calories, starting there might be practical."

It's a pragmatic approach of "if you're going to eat it anyway, at least control the damage a bit."

3. The "It's Dangerous to Rely Too Much on Condiments" Group

From the health and nutrition cluster, there are comments like these.

• "The blood sugar story is just a 'possibility' level based on a case report with three people and a rat experiment."

• "Omega-3 should be obtained in a balanced way from not just mustard, but also fish and nuts."

It's a perspective of not overestimating mustard and positioning it within the overall diet and lifestyle.

Overall on social media,

"Mustard isn't a magic potion, but as an easy 'slightly healthier choice,' it's not bad."

seems to be the emerging consensus.

How to Use It in Everyday Life? Mustard Utilization Ideas

To make mustard your ally in your actual diet, "small substitutions" and "creating flavor variations" are key.

1. Start by Changing the "Sauce You Pour"

• Hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches

  • Heavy on mayonnaise → Change to mustard + a small amount of mayo

• French fries or chicken nuggets

  • Ketchup only → Mix sauce of ketchup + mustard

Even with just this, you can significantly reduce fats and calories.