Dear FastHomeFitness:

I am a 36-year-old guy who is concerned about acquiring prostrate cancer. My doctor recommends that I consume tomatoes because they are rich in the antioxidant lycopene. So my question is: does ketchup count?

Men's Health Answer

Lycopene is similar to phytochmicals found in other vegetables and fruits. As a result, it is a natural phytochemical that occurs. Although ketchup seems like a normal suspect for lycopene, one tablespoon of ketchup offers almost 3 milligrams (mg) of lycopene. Although though every amount of antioxidants helps, natural foods consumed in larger portions offer more nutritional value.

Weight loss tip: To reduce calories and fat, use low fat cheeses and reduce the amount of olive oil or butter.

Let us use a one-cup of tomato juice as an example. It contains approximately 23mg, while half a cup of tomato sauce offers only 19 mg. While you may be able to consume mega amounts of ketchup to ingest more lycopene, do not forget about the sodium and sugar content. Even though, half a cup or seven tablespoons of ketchup is equivalent to a cup of tomato juice and half a cup of sauce, the amount of sugar and sodium represents half a day's recommended allowance.

Health Tip: Since both tomato sauce and juice contain exorbitant amounts of sodium, fresh tomatoes are your best alternative for getting your daily dose of lycopene.

Lycopene food suggestions: Spaghetti with marinara, brucshetta, salsa, roasted tomatoes, vegetarian lasagna with reduced ricotta cheese, tomato soup