SAEDNEWS: The most famous tomato sauce in the world is ketchup, a condiment based on tomatoes commonly used to enhance the enjoyment of foods like French fries and hot dogs. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of ketchup. Stay with us!
According to SAEDNES, Ketchup is one of the most delicious and popular sauces in the world, known for being both low in calories and rich in beneficial properties. Ketchup or tomato sauce is a favorite condiment for various dishes such as sandwiches, pasta, macaroni, stews, and more. Made from tomatoes, ketchup is generally available in two varieties: spicy and sweet. The main ingredients of ketchup include tomatoes, vinegar, salt, pepper, and spices. Ketchup is a condiment found in kitchens worldwide and is one of the oldest sauces, frequently used in many recipes.
Including tomatoes in your diet may have benefits, as they contain lycopene and other antioxidant compounds. However, foods like ketchup, which are consumed in very small quantities, are unlikely to have a significant impact on our overall health. According to some sources, ketchup may offer certain health benefits in specific areas. In this section, we will review some studies regarding the benefits of ketchup.
The lycopene found in tomatoes may reduce the risk of heart disease. According to research, lycopene supplements can improve endothelial (vascular lining) function in patients with heart disease, but not in healthy volunteers.
However, researchers only studied the effects of lycopene and did not examine the impact of tomatoes or tomato-based foods on patients. Therefore, it remains unclear whether this benefit applies to those who consume ketchup in typical amounts.
In a study published in 2010, researchers examined the relationship between tomato-based food products and the risk of prostate cancer. According to the researchers, tomato-based products contain anti-cancer phytochemicals that may reduce the likelihood of men developing prostate cancer. However, this study did not specifically mention ketchup.
High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as "bad cholesterol," can increase the risk of heart disease. Lycopene helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, and another study found that tomato juice can reduce LDL levels.
According to the study, dietary supplements based on tomato juice may positively affect both LDL and HDL ("good cholesterol"). However, these findings were specifically attributed to tomato juice, not ketchup, so further research is needed to determine the effects of ketchup on cholesterol levels.
According to studies on the benefits of lycopene, researchers note that when raw tomatoes are heated to make tomato juice, tomato paste, or ketchup, the lycopene undergoes changes that make it easier for the human body to absorb.
These researchers highlight lycopene's strong antioxidant potential, suggesting that it may help prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, bladder, ovary, colon, and pancreas.
Every 100 grams of ketchup contains 9.9 to 13.44 milligrams of lycopene, compared to 0.88 to 7.44 milligrams per 100 grams of fresh tomatoes. Although ketchup might appear to contain more lycopene, the amount consumed should be considered for a fair comparison. It is unlikely that someone would consume 100 grams of ketchup in one sitting. One tablespoon of ketchup weighs about 15 grams, meaning roughly seven servings would be needed to reach 100 grams.
In contrast, a single large, ripe tomato can weigh around 185 grams. If you make and eat a salad with 200 grams of fresh tomatoes, you could consume approximately 1.6 to 15 milligrams of lycopene.
