health benefits tomatoes - Tomatoes contain lycopene, a cherry-red carotenoid colour and phytonutrient that is also found in watermelon, pink grapefruit, pink guava, and papaya. Lycopene is responsible for the cherry-red colour of tomatoes. In the tomato plant, lycopene helps in the process of photosynthesis and safeguards the flower from excessive glowing detriment. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant, one of the estimated 600 naturally occurring carotenoids.
Although lycopene is not an essential nutrient for humans, it was able to amas in certain tissues and high-pitched uptakes of lycopene may protect against some cancers and cardiovascular disease1. There are many mechanisms by which lycopene may protect against cancer. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant and can eliminate devastate free radicals in the body's materials, in addition to increasing production processes the body's own antioxidant enzymes2.
Lycopene has received the most attention for its possible protection against prostate cancer in men2. Many studies have found that humanities with higher intakes of tomatoes and tomato concoctions have a lower jeopardy of prostate cancer. Based on these studies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration( FDA) approved a qualified health allege regarding the relationship between tomatoes and prostate cancer, territory" very limited and preliminary scientific research suggests that chewing one-half to one cup of tomatoes and/ or tomato sauce a week may reduce the risk of prostate cancer ".
Several examines have examined the relationship between lycopene ranks in the body and health risks of myocardial infarction. Lower high levels of lycopene in the body tend to be associated with early atherosclerosis and a higher jeopardy of heart attack.
Did You Know?
Tomatoes can be many other emblazons besides cherry-red, including yellow, orange, light-green and purple. The next time you visit your local farmers marketplace, look for heirloom tomatoes. Although they ogle quite different from the standard red tomatoes in the supermarket, parties often say their penchant is far superior.
Tomato sauce and ketchup have higher lycopene contents than fresh tomatoes.
Lycopene, like other carotenoids, is fat-soluble, which intends it is essential eat with solid to be absorbed in the gastrointestinal lot. As little as 3-5 grams of fatty in the snack is frequently sufficient for lycopene to be absorbed.
Tomato Trivia
Originally, tomatoes grew wild in the South American Andes. They were about the dimensions of the cherries and grew as berries.
The modern tomato was developed in Mexico, where it was announced " tomatil ".
Although botanically tomatoes are a result, in 1893 the U.S. State supreme court ruled that tomatoes were veggies , not fruits!
People in U.S. each eat, on average, 80 pounds of tomatoes every year.
The largest tomato on preserve is 7 pounds and was grown in Oklahoma.
Enjoy the health benefits of tomatoes by knowing and preparing tomato recipes.
