Healthy Living
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Tomatoes: 8 worthwhile facts to know
user
Whether you say
Tom
-eh-to or you say Tom
-ah-to, you can be sure
that this sweet little fruit is going to do your body good.
As we come full-swing into Tomato season, here are a few fun and
interesting facts about the popular ingredient:
- It is a fruit. Although many people believe
that tomatoes are vegetables, they are actually fruits.
- Italian in Origin..Not so Much. Although
popular as an ingredient in Italian cuisine, tomatoes are
originally native to the western side of South America.
However, it was first cultivated in Mexico; and it was through
Colombus that seeds were first introduced to Europe.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse. Tomatoes are a
great source of lycopene, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A. They are
antioxidants that are instrumental in neutralizing free radicals known to
potentially damage cells, which can increase inflammation and the
progression or severity of disease. Diets high in these
antioxidants have been shown to help reduce the risk or severity of
all of these illnesses. Lycopene, especially, helps protect
cells from oxygen damage and heart disease.
- Prostate, Colon and Pancreas. Although
tomatoes are great cancer fighters in general, they are
specifically known to promote prostate and colon health.
Further, a study published in The Journal of Nutrition
showed that those consuming a diet high in lycopene had a
diminished risk for pancreatic cancer.
- Organic Matters. In tomatoes, research
has shown that organic tomatoes and organic tomato products provide
a much greater dose of lycopene than non-organic.
- Fiber Factor. Tomatoes are a great source of
fiber, which helps to regulate
blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Canned isn’t so Bad. Although I’m a fan of “au
natural” – or right off the plant – when it comes to eating fruits
and vegetables…I can get behind canned tomato products.
Is a matter of fact, some believe that canned products are better
than fresh whole tomatoes because the nutrients are higher in
concentration than the fresh fruit.
- Every Color of the Rainbow. Tomatoes come in
every color except for blue! You can find them in red,
orange, yellow, green and even purple!
Ways to enjoy tomatoes: Tomatoes are very
versatile.
- Dishes: Gazpacho, Salads,Tomato and Avocado
Salad, Minestrone Soups, Chili
- Sauces: Tomato based sauces, salsas, ketchup, cocktail
sauce
- Drinks: Tomato Juice, Bloody Mary’s
Do you like tomatoes? Do you incorporate them into your
diet daily? Any favorite recipes?
Related articles:
Related: wellness, tomato, nutrition, health food, diet, antioxidant, aging
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Posted by springtime Mon Sep 14, 2009 8:28am PDT
You can stuff tomatoes with just about anything... chicken, tuna, or seafood salad. Here's another favorite that is a hit when I serve it.
Greenback Tomatoes
2 (10 oz) pkg frozen chopped spinach
2 c. seasoned bread crumbs ( Progresso)
6 green onions, chopped
6 eggs, beaten
½ c melted butter
½ c. Parmesan cheese
Dash of Worcestershire
Dash of Tabasco
Salt and pepper to taste
12 thick tomato slices
Cook spinach and drain well. Combine all ingredients except tomato slices. Arrange slices in a buttered shallow baking dish. Mound mixture on each tomato slice. Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes.
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Posted by Joseph M Mon Sep 14, 2009 11:46am PDT
Tomatoes are a healthy fruit. Not only are they beneficial for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, they are good for the skin and eyes. There is evidence that lycopene - a nutrient found in tomatoes - may help reduce the incidence of macular degeneration which is a medical condition of the eye that commonly affects the elderly. Interestingly, a study published in a 2004 edition of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that regular consumption of tomatoes protects cells from oxidative stress, this is important for tissue integrity and thus maybe an effective method of skin protection.
And since tomatoes are great with just about anything, it makes sense to include them as part of your regular diet.
Living Fit, Healthy and Happy
The website committed to helping people lead a healthy life!
http://www.livingfithealthyandhappy.com
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Posted by Ana Caterina Mon Sep 14, 2009 1:25pm PDT
I knew all of those, except for coming in different colors. I've only seen red and green ones. Thank you for sharing!
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Posted by Ana Caterina Mon Sep 14, 2009 1:27pm PDT
I knew all of those, except for coming in different colors. I've only seen red and green ones. Thank you for sharing!
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Posted by linda Mon Sep 14, 2009 7:48pm PDT
I love tomatoes but my fave thing to do with them is to cut off the ends of the tomato and lightley salt them and eat them like an apple. Or you can cut it into thick slices and do it that way.
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Posted by don franko pedro Tue Sep 15, 2009 8:33am PDT
ohhhhh,makes me wanna have some tomatojuice this morning"wake up sweety i want some tomatoes...........lol'is good for me i will advise u to try it and if u dont like it,u never tried it
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Posted by don franko pedro Tue Sep 15, 2009 8:34am PDT
ohhhhh,makes me wanna have some tomatojuice this morning"wake up sweety i want some tomatoes...........lol'is good for me i will advise u to try it and if u dont like it,u never tried it
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Posted by don franko pedro Tue Sep 15, 2009 8:35am PDT
ohhhhh,makes me wanna have some tomatojuice this morning"wake up sweety i want some tomatoes...........lol'is good for me i will advise u to try it and if u dont like it,u never tried it
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