Can you picture shawarma without a touch of mustard, ketchup, or cream? How about those eye-catching salads without the glaze of condiments of any form? Well, no! Condiments bring that extra aesthetic appeal and texture to those sandwiches, steak, and veggies as a dip or dressing.
As diabetics, we have the default thought that carbs are villains and we should always flee, but this isn’t the case, as lethargy would step in if we don’t get certain carbs in. However, while balancing our diets, we become cautious of each ingredient used.
I am a huge fan of condiments for that fatty mouthfeel, from kewpie mayonnaise to all other forms of dips and spreads, but how about Dijon mustard for diabetics? Is it safe? Here is all we know.
What is Dijon mustard?
Dijon mustard is a creamy condiment sold in squeeze bottles and jars and has a characteristic pale yellow color, unlike the bright yellow American-style mustard. This gluten-free and sometimes vegan spread adds savory depth to sandwiches, and vinaigrettes, and could also fit into your steak sauces.
Dijon mustard originated in Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, a region in the eastern part of France known for its rich culinary history. Currently, Dijon is recognized as the mustard capital of the world for the role it has played in cultivating mustard over the centuries.
This creamy savory condiment is derived from white wine and brown mustard seeds. However, if you get the chance to get a local to make you some Dijon mustard, a crucial ingredient they incorporate is verjuice, a tart liquid that gives that intricate Dijon mustard flavor. However, there are numerous ways to make Dijon mustard, a popular brand, Grey Poupon consists of vinegar, salt, sugar, white wine, egg yolks, modified food starch, garlic, mustard seeds, and onions.
Upon gracing your tongue with its creamy richness, you’ll be greeted with that sharp, tangy, bold flavor with a hint of spice. Most commercial recipes make the mustard seed taste bolder by using ingredients with low acidity levels.
Benefits of Dijon mustard
Besides enhancing the taste of any food, slaw, or dip, Dijon mustard has a load of benefits it could supply you:
Rich in phytochemicals like glucosinolates, studies have discovered their potency in eliminating cancer-causing agents and preventing their spread. Consuming mustard regularly places you in a good position against cervical, bladder, and colon cancer.
Mustard is very effective against psoriasis, skin rash, and other bacteria and fungal infections as it contains sinigrin. Studies have shown sinigrin’s effectiveness on bacteria, and fungi, as well as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Is Dijon mustard good for diabetics?
Unlike what you already know, no food is prohibited for diabetics according to American dietary guidelines. However, this is not a free ticket to unhealthy eating; you need to be cautious and measure your carbohydrate intake while balancing it with fiber, fats, and proteins to manage diabetes effectively.
Dijon mustard is good for diabetics; it is one of those condiments that contains zero carbohydrates. You can use this condiment in any food of your choice. However, like every other food and condiment, check the labels and be cautious of portion size to ensure healthy living.
Other condiments diabetics could enjoy
Besides Dijon mustard, there are numerous condiments you could safely include in your wraps, sandwiches, etc. They offer that addictive creamy taste that enhances the taste of any food:
Kewpie mayonnaise
You can barely hear me talk of condiments without mentioning the Japanese kewpie; it has this creamy umami flavor that enchants after a single taste. It is made with only egg yolks, vinegar, vegetable oil, and salt, unlike American-style mayonnaise made with whole eggs. Like Dijon mustard, kewpie mayonnaise contains zero carbs and even has a vegan version. If you are allergic to MSG, you may want to skip this condiment.
Vegan mayo
We can’t outrightly tag this condiment as a full-blown mayonnaise since the Food and Drug Administration guidelines state that mayonnaise must consist of egg yolk. However, we have brands like Vegenaise killing it for the vegan community, and the good news is that it contains zero carbs. However, if you’re allergic to soy, be sure to check the labels and get only soy-free versions.
Ketchup
Ketchup is another tasty condiment you could enjoy as a diabetic, as it contains about 5 grams per tablespoon; however, portion size is a crucial keyword here. We all know how good ketchup tastes, and it could be hard to stop at just a tablespoon. A good thing is the presence of sugar-free options that contain just about a gram per tablespoon.
Avocado mayo
Avocado mayonnaise is another great option, rich in healthy fats. You may think this mayonnaise is made with mashed avocado, but not exactly. It is made with avocado oil instead of the vegetable oils used in other types of mayonnaise. and contains zero carbs per tablespoon. Upon the first taste, you will become addicted.
Summing up
Dijon mustard for diabetics is a health choice and benefits prediabetics and type 2 diabetic individuals. Type 1 diabetics can also enjoy this condiment while being mindful of the carbs in the food they use Dijon mustard in.