Health Benefits of Ketchup

Ketchup is an amazing and popular condiment found in ninety seven percent of American homes.
Ketchup contains the powerful antioxidant lycopene.
Research studies suggest that in the body, lycopene is deposited in the liver, lungs, colon, prostate gland and skin.

A six year study at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health showed reduced risk of prostate cancer in 47,000 men whose diets contained large quantities of lycopene. Other studies by H. J. Heinz Company health benefits epidemiology studies along with studies by Dr. Lenore Kohlmeir, Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology at the University of Carolina suggests lycopene can reduce the risk of: Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer, Rectal Cancer and Uterine Cancer.

Other Health Benefits of the Ketchup due to the lycopene content are:

Reduction of cholesterol.

Reduction in the risk of developing diabetes.

Lycopene fights osteoporosis.

It reduces the risk of gum disease.

It reduces the risk of cataracts.

It improves male fertility.

This popular super condiment is also touted as having anti aging benefits.

The ingredient in ketchup that causes these miraculous health benefits is the tomato, which contains excellent nutrients including a high content of lycopene.
Lycopene is an antioxidant that acts as a scavenger in removing the damaging effects of free radicals on our cell tissues.
According to World Health Food, " organic ketchup delivers three times as much of the cancer fighting carotenoid "lycopene" as non-organic brands."
World Health Food also stated that, "organic ketchup far surpassed these non organic brands in lycopene content."
World Health Food further stated that," one organic brand delivered 183 micrograms of lycopene per gram of ketchup, about five times as much as per weight as a tomato."

One non organic ketchup delivered 100 micrograms of lycopene per gram, with one fast food sample of ketchup providing just 60 micrograms per gram.
World Health Foods recommend to obtain the most lycopene from your ketchup you should choose the deepest red organic ketchup available.
It seems that not all ketchup are created equal. So do your research and make the right choice to get the most health benefits from this popular, powerful and amazing condiment.

Ways to Include Ketchup in Your Diet.
Ketchup is commonly used as a condiment with hamburgers, hot dogs and french fries.
How about adding ketchup to your sauces, stews, soups, chili, vegetable dips and barbecued dishes.?

It is said that President Nixon would top his cottage cheese with ketchup.
He probably knew about the health benefits of this remarkable condiment.