Ketchup or Catsup: It Can Be Healthy for You
By Tom Herrin
When most people think of fast food, all of the bad things come to mind. Too much greasy food, too many carbs, too little fiber all add up to some pretty unhealthy meals. There may be a few salvageable things on the menu once people get past all the other. If people add products made from tomatoes, at least they are getting something that can do a little for their health. While this is not an endorsement of fast foods as a healthy meal, it is saying that people can look for a few things that can still be a little bit healthy. Tomatoes -- and things made from them -- are actually pretty good for anyone.
They May Be Good for the Heart
Tomatoes contain lycopene. It is a substance that helps to fight against heart-damaging serum lipid oxidation. Some studies have shown that eating tomatoes regularly can help to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. This is known to help maintain a healthy heart. Anytime this can be done without taking medication, there can be less stress on the body. The potassium in tomatoes can also help to keep the blood vessels more flexible. This can allow them to expand as needed, keeping blood pressure lower.
They May Be Good for the Skin
Many people have had the experience of using tomato juice applied to the skin to soothe sunburn. Tomatoes are also used in anti-aging products as well as those that serve as antiperspirants. Many others swear by tomato juice as a wash for getting rid of strong odors such as a skunk smell.
They Can Make a Good Meal Great
Many people eat spaghetti. It is a standard for a large percentage of the population. It almost always contains tomato sauce. Tomatoes are great eaten fresh as they are or in salads. They are often sliced and eaten on hamburgers or sandwiches. We enjoy using them in cooking thing such as stews, beans, or some other dishes we throw together. Once on a camping vacation, the only thing we could find at a convenience store was noodles, crushed tomatoes, and sausage. We put them together and found that we really liked eating it. We have it now once or twice a month. As far as ketchup, or catsup, it doesn't matter which way you spell it. We can eat it on almost anything. (Ed. note: We spell it ketchup)
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.