Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is choosing not to add a tomato to a fruit salad. It can be confusing to know where to place a tomato but whatever its designated category, tomatoes are very versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways to make your meal tastier and healthier. There are many health benefits of a tomato, and it is a fruit which can be used in a variety of diverse ways. If you are wanting to find out more about this commonly used produce, then this is a must-read blog for you.
Tomatoes are a healthy option for both men and women but men if you value the health of your prostate there is good evidence that eating tomato may decrease your risk of prostate cancer. The tomato is not only beneficial for men and has been linked to protection against sun damage which can help slow the appearance of age from sun exposure and decreased risk of colorectal, gastric and lung cancer as well! Tomatoes may work at decreasing the inflammation in your body which happens due to natural reactions which happen due to being alive, this may decrease the risk of chronic diseases which includes osteoarthritis. One study found that because of the high content of lutein in tomatoes subjects were 70% less likely to suffer from osteoarthritis.
Do you have high blood pressure? The phytonutrient in tomatoes known as Lyc-O-Mato was shown to decrease blood pressure in some subjects to the same extent as medication. How the tomato may do this is the Lyc-O-Mato make the bad cholesterol (LDL-Cholesterol) 90% less able to oxidize in your arteries, this means the cholesterol is not able to damage and stick to the walls of your arteries which leads to heart disease. Your bones may also be benefiting from munching on a tomato, although evidence is still in its begging stages for this link.
What other components of the tomato protect your body?
Tomatoes have a powerful antioxidant of the carotenoid family known as lycopene. It is lycopene which gives the beautiful colour of the tomato which make it appealing to the eyes in any dish. This antioxidant is more easily absorbed and used in your body when the tomato has been processed and even more so when consumed with oil such as extra virgin olive oil. Other healthful parts of the tomato include the phytonutrients found in a tomato's unique oil called phytolfuene and phytoene and vitamin E which is helpful for skin health.
Interested in how to include tomato in your diet? Try:
- As part of the salad in a sandwich
- To add sweetness to a tuna salad, add a dash of extra virgin olive oil to increase the absorption of lycopene in your body.
- As a paste for a pizza
- Part of the sauce in your pasta dish.
- Make a chicken parmigiana using chicken breast, low fat cheese and low salt and sugar tomato sauce and try baking in a small amount of extra virgin olive oil.
- As part of breakfast with multigrain toast, poached eggs next to spinach, roast tomato and mushroom.
- Try juicing fresh tomato and add some herbs and spices for flavour.
Take home message:
Tomatoes are in season this month so will be kind to your wallet not to mention give colour and visual appeal to any meal. Tomatoes are underrated but have amazing potential to help protect your body in many ways, so why not include it in one of many ways in a meal or as part of a snack this week!
References:
- Tomato products wellness council; new research database highlights tomato products' link to health benefits. (2010). Diabetes Week, , 365. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/205815892?accountid=34512
- Obesity and diabetes; processed tomato products may protect against inflammation, according to a study presented at the experimental biology meeting. (2009). Diabetes Week, , 218. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/205553654?accountid=34512
- How to get maximum health benefits from tomatoes. (2014). Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, 32(5), 6-7. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1548796769?accountid=34512
- Tomato phytonutrients: Contributors in the battle against degenerative diseases. (2001, Jul). Total Health, 23, 44-45. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/210148910?accountid=34512
