super food
s e o t a Tom By Anja Springthorpe
T
omatoes are remarkable fruits – yes, tomatoes are classified as fruit – packed to the rafters with flavor and nutritional goodness. Amongst the so-called “superfoods,” tomatoes are often overlooked. Yet this inexpensive, flavorsome food should be featured on our plates as often as possible. Tomatoes contain vitamin C, A and E as well as the minerals potassium and manganese. These nutrients are all necessary for optimal health. Research shows that routine consumption of tomatoes correlates with reduced risk of several serious health conditions, such as hear t disease.
TIPS TO BUY, STORE AND PREPARE TOMATOES
Apar t from vitamins and minerals, tomatoes provide concentrated levels of lycopene. A powerful antioxidant, lycopene is responsible for tomatoes’ red color and holds a number of health benefits, including reduced risk of stroke, hear t disease and cer tain cancers. Prostate cancer is especially lower in those consistently ingesting this fruit. But the role of the tomato is ever expanding. In a recent discovery, tomatoes have been shown to decrease the chances of developing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Exper ts suggest that lycopene may protect against the oxidative stress that causes bone loss, a hallmark of osteoporosis.
• BUY: Fresh tomatoes are usually best but aren’t always in season. Canned tomato products still provide good levels of nutrients. Tomato paste specifically contains high concentrations of lycopene. However, be cautious of high sodium content in canned products. Opt for low-sodium alternatives whenever possible. • STORE: Don’t store tomatoes in the fridge. The cold will ruin the taste and texture. A bowl on top of the kitchen counter is the ideal place for tomato storage. • PREP: Drizzle a little olive oil on salads, sandwiches or tomato soups to increase the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamin E, K and A, in tomatoes.
Lycopene hold s a number of health benefits in reduction of str cluding risk oke, heart disea se or certain canc ers
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