Is Ketchup really that bad for you?

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Replies

  • sweetie1975
    sweetie1975 Posts: 154 Member
    Unless you are going to eat a bottle a day, then it's not bad for you!

    Nothing in moderation is bad for you!!
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    It's usually very high in sodium, but a tablespoon here and there isn't going to be that bad.
  • SwannySez
    SwannySez Posts: 5,860 Member
    YES! Ketchup will bend your mind, curve your spine and lose the war for the Allies!
  • jcpmoore
    jcpmoore Posts: 796 Member
    It all depends on which one you get. Some include high fructose corn syrup. A lot of folks say that's the devil, I don't know. I just hate the taste. It tends to be high in sugar and sweeteners in any case. It's typically high in salt. You can get organize ones that are lower in all that junk.

    All in all, 1 tbsp isn't really a bad thing. If you're having half a cup of it, I'd be more concerned about it.
  • CurveAppeal86
    CurveAppeal86 Posts: 272 Member
    Yes?
    Ketchup is a low-calorie condiment, made from tomatoes, vinegar, salt, pepper, and spices. It contains 15 calories per tablespoon and vitamins A and C. Compared with its competitor mayonnaise, ketchup has no fat and far fewer calories per tablespoon (mayo contains 103 calories, 12 grams fat). This makes it a healthier choice for those trying to cut out added calories.

    Processed and cooked tomatoes were also found to have high levels of the antioxidant lycopene. In 2004, a study released from the Harvard School of Public Health revealed that women who had higher levels of lycopene in their blood had a 50% lower risk for developing heart disease. That study also proved useful for ketchup manufacturers who got the word out that their product is “healthy.” After that I found friends, family and even clients who’d squeeze bottles of ketchup on their plate and rationalize its overuse by saying, “hey, it’s good for me!”


    No?
    Two ingredients of concern in ketchup are salt and sugar. Per tablespoon, ketchup contains 4 grams of sugar and 190 milligrams of sodium. Although 4 grams of sugar doesn’t seem like a lot, much of it comes from added sugar, as opposed to the natural sugar found in tomatoes. The same goes for the added salt: consuming 8 tablespoons of ketchup will have you reaching your sodium needs for the entire day, so if you like to pour on the red stuff, it’s easy to overload on sodium.

    Although ketchup is technically made with the 5 simple ingredients listed above, food companies have de-virginized its ingredient list by adding stuff like high fructose corn syrup, natural flavoring, and tomato concentrate.

    The Verdict
    Ketchup can definitely be a wonderful addition to your healthy diet in moderation, of course. If you’re not a fan of some of the mainstream ketchups that contain a laundry list of ingredients, there are several brands you can find which contain the basic 5. Some brands with healthier ingredients include:, Annie’s Natural Organic Ketchup, 365 Organic Tomato Ketchup and Trader Joe’s Organic Ketchup. Another option is to make your own.
  • Emmersen
    Emmersen Posts: 3
    I like you attitude! You can find something 'good for you' in most things you eat! Even Reese's cups!!! = )
  • giselle9938
    giselle9938 Posts: 194 Member
    YES! Ketchup will bend your mind, curve your spine and lose the war for the Allies!

    true!!!! Also I saw a youtube video saying the Iluminati created the ketchup!!! lol
  • PitBullMom_Liz
    PitBullMom_Liz Posts: 339 Member
    Mmm...now I'm craving some scrambled eggs and hash browns with ketchup slathered all over both. *drool*
  • LoveleeB
    LoveleeB Posts: 560 Member
    I would DIE without ketchup!!! It's one of my favorite things ever.
  • sa1712
    sa1712 Posts: 11
    how would it compare to doritos jar of salsa (this is the only salsa I can get in my area)

    i like both equally, which would be better for me?
  • vingogly
    vingogly Posts: 1,785 Member
    how would it compare to doritos jar of salsa (this is the only salsa I can get in my area)

    i like both equally, which would be better for me?

    Searching for nutritional content for each, I came up with this:

    Doritos Salsa (30g): 180 Mg Sodium, 1.2g Sugar
    Catsup (30g): 334 Mg Sodium, 7g Sugar

    However ... I find that I spoon a lot more salsa on something than catsup, so you have to factor that in.
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