Mustard is a popular spread that is made from the seeds of the mustard plant, and is typically used to flavor hamburgers, hot dogs, and other family favorites. But how healthy is mustard for you, really? In actuality, mustard contains high amounts of sodium, which can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease. This article discusses some great products that can be used in place of mustard. You'll wish you though of them sooner!

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Balsamic vinaigrette is a great substitute for mustard. Unlike mustard, which is typically loaded with high amounts of calories and salt, both of which can wreck havoc with both your weight and your health, balsamic vinaigrette is actually quite healthy. Balsamic vinaigrette is made by mixing equal amounts of balsamic vinegar with olive oil--which research has found to contain numerous health benefits. Some of the benefits associated with using olive oil include a decrease in the development of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. For best results, look for a balsamic vinaigrette that contains no added sodium or other flavorings--or better yet, make it yourself at home. Your friends will never guess that you created this delicious item!

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a great substitute for mustard because it provides a similar creaminess--with significantly less sodium. In addition, cottage cheese is a great source of dietary protein and calcium, which are essential to help keep your body in proper working order. In order to use cottage cheese as a substitute for mustard, it is important to alter its texture. Start by pouring the cottage cheese into a blender or food processor, along with a small amount of milk. Blend the cottage cheese until the curds have been broken up, and the mixture is as smooth as possible. This product can then be spread on sandwiches, hot dogs, or other items that you may have at one time seasoned with mustard. For best results, be sure to use cottage cheese that is made from low- or non-fat milk. This way, your cottage cheese mixture will not only be low in sodium, but will also have very few calories and fat grams.

Hummus

Finally, hummus makes a great alternative to mustard. Hummus is traditionally made with pinto or garbanzo beans and oil olive. As discussed above, olive oil is very important to good health--but pinto and garbanzo beans are also very healthy. They provide a great source of lean protein, as well as complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are important if you are trying to maintain a healthy weight because they are both slow digesting, meaning that they take a long time to leave the stomach and enter the digestive tract, and are bulky, which means that they help to keep you feeling full for a longer period of time. These factors can work together to prevent the development of obesity and cardiovascular disease.