Why Ketchup Is More Beneficial for Your Body Than You Think?

Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

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.

Reduced Risk of Prostate Cancer

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.

Lowering LDL Cholesterol

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.

Reduced Risk of Other Diseases

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.