Organic tomato ketchup contains up to three times the levels of cancer-fighting compounds as traditional varieties, says new research.

American scientists made the discovery after comparing brands of bottled sauces - including the purple and green ketchups in America.

If confirmed, the findings will provide the first hard evidence that organic vegetables can be healthier than conventional ones.

Cooked tomatoes are a source of lycopene - a compound that makes the fruit red but which protects against breast, pancreatic, prostate and bowel cancer, especially when eaten with fatty foods. There is also evidence it can reduce heart attacks.

Mary Chapman and Betty Ishida, from the Agricultural Research Service in Albany, California, tested lycopene levels and antioxidant activity in 13 brands of ketchup, New Scientist reports today

Six were popular varieties, two were stores' own brands, three were organic and two from fast-food chains.

In general, the best way to ensure the highest lycopene levels was to pick the darkest red ketchup. Lycopene is also found in pasta sauces, pizzas and baked beans.

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I knew that ketchup was a vegetable, Hah