L'amore Italian Restaurant

tomatoes

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The Health Benefits of Tomato Sauce

We all love tomato sauce. To the surprise of some, this delicious creation is one of those rare foods that actually tastes good and benefits the human body. Tomatoes and tomato sauce improve biological functions in countless ways.  Keep reading to find out how tomatoes work their magic.

Tomatoes Improve Heart Health

The consumption of tomatoes has long been tied to improved heart health. Tomatoes and extracts from tomatoes decrease total cholesterol, the LDL form of cholesterol and triglycerides. Tomato extracts also assist in the prevention of platelet cell clumping within the blood. The result is a reduced risk of heart health problems such as atherosclerosis. The phytonutrients within tomatoes are responsible for this heart health benefit along with numerous others. Tomatoes also regulate fats in the bloodstream to boost cardiovascular health.

Tomatoes Boost Bone Health And More

Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a carotenoid pigment provides an array of health benefits. Medical studies have shown a connection between the consumption of tomatoes and improved bone health. This is likely due to the fat that there is an abundance of antioxidants and lycopene in tomatoes. Contrary to popular opinion, lycopene is found in tomatoes of all colors, not just those of the deep red variety.

Tomatoes are Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Tomatoes contain a considerable amount of vitamin C, beta-carotene, mineral manganese and vitamin E. Most of these vitamins and minerals are powerful antioxidants and/or provide numerous other health benefits. The presence of vitamin C is particularly strong in tomatoes. Those who cook tomatoes will be happy to know that the cooking process does not eliminate this vitally important nutrient. A whopping 18 milligrams of vitamin C are found in one cup of cooked tomatoes. Aside from warding off sickness, vitamin C also helps the body produce collagen and even improves brain functions.

Tomatoes Help in the Fight Against Cancer

Research has shown that tomatoes provide numerous anti-cancer benefits. Though studies have not been conducted to determine the impact of tomatoes on each type of cancer, it is clear that the antioxidants in tomatoes are critically important in the fight against cancer. A good portion of cancers begin to form as the result of chronic oxidative stress and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of tomatoes go a long way to decrease the odds of cancer. In particular, the odds of prostate cancer are significantly reduced when one consumes tomatoes. It is likely that the link between tomato consumption and low incidences of cancer will continue to strengthen as more studies are conducted on specific types of cancer.

Other Tomato Health Benefits

Diets that are rich in tomatoes have also been proven to decrease the odds of certain neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Multiple studies have also shown that tomato consumption is linked to a lower risk of obesity.

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You Say Tomato – I Say Superfood!

You Say Tomato - I Say SuperfoodThe tomato has been called many things throughout history: Peruvian apple, love apple, and even, by Americans at least, a vegetable.

Today, however, this lovely fruit is fast becoming known as Superfood!

While not able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, this super hero of the nutrition world is able to do some pretty amazing things. For example, some studies show the tomato may help decrease the risk of prostate cancer, as well as breast, lung and stomach cancers.

And the Herald Sun reported in 2003 that the yellow jelly around the seeds have yet another benefit: They may stop blood cells from clumping together, which sometimes leads to strokes and heart attacks.

What is it about this little red fruit that makes it so amazing?

Answer: Lycopene.

Okay, so the word lycopene doesn’t sound very appetizing, but this powerful antioxidant is the chemical in tomatoes that not only is responsible for it’s red color, but also responsible for its disease-fighting powers.

Just ask an Italian.

Italian cooking relies very heavily on tomatoes and tomato products. And, some studies have suggested that this heavy intake of tomatoes by Italians has resulted in a lowering of cancer of the digestive tract.

Do I have to eat tomatoes by the truckload?

Now, you’re probably thinking you have to consume tons and tons of fresh tomatoes to enjoy any health benefits. Not true.

In one research study it was reported that people who ate tomatoes at least every other day had greater lung capacity. And, the tomatoes don’t even have to be fresh! Again, research shows that the lycopene in tomatoes is more easily absorbed by the body if processed into ketchup, sauce and paste. So, not only are tomatoes a superfood, they’re an easy superfood to include in your diet.

Of course, fresh tomatoes are still beneficial, and packed with wonderful nutrients (not to mention delicious). Just remember the one rule of fresh tomatoes: don’t put them in the refrigerator. The refrigerator destroys not only the flavor, it also destroys the nutrients.

So, go ahead, do something good for your health tonight. Have a tomato!