Is ketchup of any health benefit?

I really like to use ketchup on hamburgers, French fries and lots of other foods. Is ketchup good for me? Is ketchup of any health benefit? What's the difference between catsup and ketchup?

Marnie - About.com User

One tablespoon of ketchup has 61 calories, 2.3 grams vitamin C and 2506 mcg lycopene. That's actually a substantial amount of lycopene in a small amount of food. However, one tablespoon of ketchup also has more than 150 mg sodium, which is important to know if you are following a low-sodium diet.

Whether you call it catsup or ketchup, it's the same thing. It's available in every grocery store, or you can make your own fresh ketchup.

Ketchup really is just a condiment. So it is meant to be used in small amounts on other foods. Rather than eating foods high in fats like hamburgers and French fries, try some of these healthier recipes featuring ketchup as an ingredient:

• Deviled Chicken
• Lexington Cole Slaw
• Zesty Lamb Shanks

_Source:

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