Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a
fruit;
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
First thing
to know about tomatoes they are a fruit not a vegetable. (Just in case you did not know yet)
Tomatoes are
packed with a variety of nutrients but the one that stands out the most for tomatoes
and provides their color is Lycopene.
Lycopene is found
in a number of other red fruits and vegetables; such as red carrots, red bell
peppers, watermelons, gac, and papayas (but not strawberries or cherries).
Studies have
shown people that consume tomatoes regularly have a lower risk of certain types
of cancers and diseases. (The Mayo Clinic and American Cancer Society say that
more studies need to be done) Studies have been mixed once someone does have
certain cancers but in general found good effects. Most of the studies show
that it can be a good preventative.
Antioxidant :
Research has shown
that like other carotenoids, it has many antioxidant properties including
Vitamin C. That your body uses to fight off free radicals.
Asthma caused by exercise :
Studies have
suggested that antioxidants can be used as a preventative of asthma that is
caused by exercise.
Atherosclerosis (coronary artery
disease) :
Due to the
antioxidant properties Lycopene can be helpful for people with atherosclerosis
or high cholesterol.
Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) :
People diagnosed
with BPH or enlarged prostate are at increased risk of developing prostate
cancer and can benefit from adding Lycopene rich foods to their diet and/or
taking a Lycopene supplement. Studies suggest that Lycopene can help prevent disease
progression in BPH.
Breast cancer prevention :
Studies in animals
and humans show that consumption of tomatoes or good Lycopene levels in the
body are a good preventative.
Cancer prevention (general) :
Studies have
examined large populations to identify the lifestyle factors that affect
health. Many of these studies suggest a link between diets high in fruits and
vegetables and a decreased risk of developing cancer.
Cervical cancer prevention :
Observations suggest
that consumption of tomatoes and/or tomato products can prevent cervical cancer.
Eye disorders (age-related macular
degeneration prevention, cataracts) :
The antioxidant
properties have been found to be a good preventative therapy for age-related
macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Some studies have shown peoples eye
sight getting better.
Gastrointestinal tract and colorectal
cancer prevention :
People that consume
tomatoes and/or tomato based products helps prevent digestive tract cancers,
including oral, pharyngeal, esophageal, gastric, colon, and rectal.
Gingivitis :
Some evidence that
lycopene, may be an effective treatment for gingivitis.
High blood pressure :
Short-term studies
have shown Lycopene to lower blood pressure.
High blood pressure associated with
pregnancy (pre-eclampsia) :
Lycopene may reduce
the development of pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation in women
having their first child.
Infertility :
Recent research has
suggested that lycopene can boost sperm concentrations in infertile men. In one
study, a lycopene-supplemented diet resulted in a statistically significant
improvement in sperm concentration and motility amongst the 30 infertile men
being studied with six pregnancies following as a result of the trial.
Lung cancer prevention :
People that
regularly eat tomatoes had a lower risk of developing lung cancer.
Ovarian cancer (prevention) :
Lycopene intake
seems to lower the risk of ovarian cancer.
Prostate cancer :
Studies of large
populations report eating tomatoes/tomato-based products reduces the risk of
developing prostate cancer. There is some evidence that lycopene may slow the
progression of prostate cancer.
Sun protection :
Lycopene in
combination with other carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, vitamins C and E,
selenium, and proanthocyanidins, may help in reducing sunburn.
Tomatoes are
a good source of Lycopene, that is an excellent preventative to harmful sun UV
rays, cancers and inflammation. After reading this you may find yourself eating
more tomatoes possibly multiple times a day.
Some people
love tomatoes so much they attend La Tomatina is a food fight festival held on
the last Wednesday of August each year in the town of Bunol near to Valencia in
Spain. Thousands upon thousands of people make their way from all corners of
the world to fight in this 'World's Biggest Food Fight' where more than one
hundred metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets.
Wellness The Easy Way
offers multiple supplements with Lycopene in them.
Water EZ Way ( Ionized Alkaline Water )
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