What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Ranch Dressing Every Day

Ranch dressing is one of the most popular salad dressings available due to its creamy, rich flavor. Because it is a salad dressing, ranch is often eaten with salads and vegetables. But this doesn't mean it's a healthy food on its own. In fact, many kinds of ranch dressing contain a lot of calories and fat without offering many benefits. According to Healthline, one serving of storebought dressing can contain anywhere from 45 to 150 calories and anywhere from three to 16 grams of fat. One serving is about two tablespoons, which is a relatively small amount. It is easy to use twice that much ranch dressing on a salad or when snacking on vegetables. A diet high in calories and fat can lead to weight gain over time.

Ranch dressing is traditionally made with buttermilk and oil to get its creamy base, with various spices and seasonings that are added later. The bulk of calories and fat in ranch dressing comes from the creamy base, not the seasonings. The specific ingredients that your ranch dressing uses will make a big difference in the nutrient profile of the product.

Calories and fat are not inherently bad. You need calories and fat to survive, but not all calories and fats are created equal. According to Healthline, ranch is typically made with buttermilk and soybean oil. Soybean oil is full of omega-6 fats, which can increase the risk of developing inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's disease. However, ranch dressing that is made with other types of oil like olive or canola oil can actually reduce your risk of developing those diseases.

That being said, you can eat ranch dressing every day if you choose a better-for-you product. Choose ranch dressing that is made with healthier oils like olive, canola, or avocado oil (via Livestrong). Opt for brands that have little to no added sugar and a low saturated fat and sodium content. You can also make your own ranch dressing by combining Greek yogurt, lemon juice, parsley, onion powder, dijon mustard, and chopped chives.