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You Say Tomato – I Say Superfood
The tomato has been called many things throughout history: Peruvian apple, love
apple, and even, by Americans at least, a vegetable. Today, however, this lovely
fruit is fast becoming known as Superfood!
While not able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, this super hero of the
nutrition world is able to do some pretty amazing things. For example, some
studies show the tomato may help decrease the risk of prostate cancer, as well as
breast, lung and stomach cancers. And the Herald Sun reported in 2003 that the
yellow jelly around the seeds have yet another benefit: They may stop blood cells
from clumping together, which sometimes leads to strokes and heart attacks.
What is it about this little red fruit that makes it so amazing? Lycopene.
Okay, so the word lycopene doesn’t sound very appetizing, but this powerful
antioxidant is the chemical in tomatoes that not only is responsible for it’s red
color, but also responsible for its disease-fighting powers.
Just ask an Italian. Italian cooking relies very heavily on tomatoes and tomato
products. And, some studies have suggested that this heavy intake of tomatoes by
Italians has resulted in a lowering of cancer of the digestive tract.
Now, you’re probably thinking you have to consume tons and tons of fresh
tomatoes to enjoy any health benefits. Not true. In one research study it was
reported that people who ate tomatoes at least every other day had greater lung
capacity. And, the tomatoes don’t even have to be fresh! Again, research shows
that the lycopene in tomatoes is more easily absorbed by the body if processed
into ketchup, sauce and paste. So, not only are tomatoes a superfood, they are an
easy superfood to include in your diet.
Of course, fresh tomatoes are still beneficial, and packed with wonderful nutrients
(not to mention delicious). Just remember the one rule of fresh tomatoes: don’t put
them in the refrigerator. The refrigerator destroys not only the flavor, it also
destroys the nutrients.
So, go ahead, do something good for your health tonight. Have a tomato.
