What are Antioxidants?Naturally OccurringTomatoes

Tomatoes are crammed with lycopene which is an antioxidant that protects cells from oxygen damage, certain cancers, and heart disease. Some of the cancers it helps fight are breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, and pancreatic. There are however, various studies published showing these statements in a positive light, but also questioning the benefits in connection with cancers.

Because the lycopene, which is a carotenoid is absorbed into the body with fats, it’s better eaten with certain fats like olive oil, avocados and the like. A typical Italian diet is an excellent example. When buying tomato products try to purchase the darker red organic products, they contain up to three times the lycopene that you get with regular brands.

Tomatoes that are cut and cooked will make the lycopene more readily available to combine with the good fats to absorbed into the body. This is the same for all fresh vegetables and fruits – FRESH IS BEST! Tomatoes are also very high in vitamins C and A. Vitamin A has a lot of beta-carotene that neutralizes the free radicals that can cause illnesses and disease. They also have fiber which is good for maintaining blood sugar levels, helping in the fight against colon cancer, and lowering high cholesterol.

Drinking tomato juice could also help with reducing blood clots. One serving of tomato juice per day takes care of this and forms a great part of your needed 5 portions of fruits or vegatables per day.

Tomatoes have folate and riboflavin and some studies have shown that helps reduce the incidence of migraines. Diabetics could also benefit from the chromium which helps keep blood sugar steady.

Choose tomatoes that are deeper red in color as this indicates more lycopene. They should be smooth without wrinkles or bruises, remember FRESH IS BEST. Store them at room temperature. When ready to use they ought to have a wonderful smell and give slightly to the touch. If they ripened too fast and you’re not ready to use them you can put them in the fridge for a couple days. If they are not ripe enough place them into a paper bag with an apple and they will ripen quicker.

Tomatoes have a high acid content and should never be cooked in anything aluminum. The acid breaks down the aluminum and it leaks into the food which is very unhealthy and bad tasting.