Benefits of ketchup for kids include cut in cholesterol, good vision, reduces the risk of prostrate cancer, makes food eatable, rich source of antioxidant, prevents breast cancer, strengthens bones and rich source of vitamin C.

Who has ever thought of the numerous benefits a tomato ketchup can serve? After all, we all have been using this just like an additional sauce and nothing really more than that. As we know that it is mostly derived from tomatoes which are indeed healthy, it’s still important for you to take the nutritional value of the entire meal into consideration. In this article, we will look at some of the amazing health benefits of ketchup for kids:

Ketchup for Kids: 11 Amazing Health Benefits

Cut in cholesterol

A number of volunteers in the 2007 study added ketchup to their three daily meals. This resulted in the drop of their total cholesterol levels by six percent over the period of six weeks. In fact, their low-density lipoprotein levels were also dropped by 13 per cent.

Good vision

Being a rich source of vitamin C, it also contains Vitamin A. This helps in keeping the immune system healthy and is also a key for good vision. Apart from healthy eyes, it also forms the structure of mucus membranes, skin, bones and teeth.

Reduces the risk of prostate cancer

As per a 2002 American study of 47000 men, eating tomato sauce more than twice or thrice a week reduces a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer, that too by 20 per cent. As per the research conducted earlier, this reduces risk of cancer was due to lycopene, which is an antioxidant found in tomatoes.

Low calorie content

Even if your child is obese and you are looking for a weight loss program for him, don’t you worry because a tablespoon of ketchup consists of only 15 calories that is comparatively much lower to mayonnaise and other condiments. However, you will have to keep a check on the portion size, otherwise it can affect your child’s weight loss negatively.

Makes the food eatable

We all know ketchup consists of salt as well as sugar, so this probably may not be preferred if you are looking for a serious health kick. But apart from this, there is no doubt how delicious and tasty these green vegetables seem to be, if you just add a little of tomato ketchup in your child’s diet. May be not every day, but twice or thrice a week will never be any harm.

Rich source of Antioxidant

Not many of us may know that but this works wonders inside out. Along with strengthening your bones and teeth, it will also help you get all the beauty you have been waiting for. And for this, you do not need to do much but just add this delicious tomato ketchup in your diet.

Increases sperm count

As per the studies, lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes and also, which is responsible for their red colour is found to boost male fertility. According to the researchers, lycopene could increase a man’s sperm count by 70 per cent, reduce the abnormal sperm and also, increases their swimming speed.

Low in fat

Well, practically ketchup contains no fat which also makes it free of saturated fat that can lead to cardiovascular diseases. According to research from the May 2001 edition of ‘international Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders’, high fat foods are not only high in calories but also provides less satiety and leads to lower rates of calorie burning.

Prevents breast cancer

Now that we know that lycopene increases the male sperm count and also fights against prostate cancer but what benefits does it have for us women? Well, the good news is that this powerful substance helps to prevent the risk of breast cancer in women and fights against it.

Strengthen the bones

Bone loss is something that is not avoidable but that does not mean that we cannot slower down the process. With the help of lycopene, you can slower the degeneration of bone loss. In fact, this will also keep your little one’s bones strong and healthy.

High in vitamin C

Who doesn’t want a healthy skin, be it adults, kids or actually anyone. Now, as you work along with lycopene, this vitamin C rich substance will make the skin clearer and fairer. You can also use a fresh tomato as face mask to see the results.

Homemade ketchup:

You do not always need to rely on the ready-made ketchup from the supermarket. Indeed, you can it make it on your own at your place and trust me, it will take taste even more delicious. Let’s look at the recipe so that it gets easier for you to prepare it.

• First of all, you need to heat the oil over medium heat. Add some onions to it and cook them for about 8 minutes till the time they get softened and lightly browned.
• Followed by this, add ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes and allspice for cook for 2 minutes.
• Followed by this, you can add the tomato [paste and cook until it changes to a burnt orange colour.
• Pour the can of tomatoes into it, consisting of juice, cider vinegar, a generous pinch of salt, sugar and black pepper. You can slightly reduce the heat and continue to stir this for 20 minutes. And the job is done! Just blend it, let it cool for sometime and refrigerate it for up to a month.

Conclusion:

Do you now understand how we can make use of this delicious ketchup for our nutritional benefits as well? It’s not even high in fats, so you do not need to worry about you or your little one gaining pounds and being high in vitamin C, you can keep your skin healthy. So, now easily add this to the salad, sandwich, hamburgers and enjoy your meal!