Here's how:
We eat them green, red and yellow, we dice and puree them. And now the proof is incontrovertible; the humble tomato is one of nature's most powerful medicines, thanks to its unique cocktail of disease-fighting compounds. Its benefits include:
Potent Cancer Protection
New research suggests that women who eat the most tomatoes have up to a 45% lower risk of breast cancer! And antioxidant rich tomato products have also been shown to prevent colon, ovarian and uterine cancers. "Tomatoes are nature's number 1 source of the antioxidant lycopene, which appears to inhibit the rampant cell division that's needed for tumours to grow and spread," explains American Dietetic association spokesperson Betty Nowlon, Rd.
Better Cholesterol Levels
Eating as little as one small tomato-or one to two tablespoons of tomato paste-daily can lower your risk of clogged arteries by 30%,
cutting your chance of having a heart attack in half, studies show. And research suggests that same daily dose could cut your artery-clogging LDL cholesterol levels an amazing 23%. "Our best guess is that tomato products help slow the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines," says University if Illinois pharmacologist Richard
vanBreemen,PhD.
Healthier Lungs
Drink a 12 once glass of tomato juice every day and you'll reduce your risk if DNA damage to lung tissues from cigarette smoke, car exhaust or other forms of air pollution by 20%, according to a recent University of North Carolina study. "The phytonutrients in tomatoes help nourish and protect delicate lung cells keeping them strong," says Nowlin.
Radiant Skin
German researchers say tomato sauce is a powerful sun block. In fact, eating as little as 1.3 oz of tomato paste daily reduces sun-triggered skin damage by 40%. Not only will that lower your risk of skin cancer, it will help prevent collagen damage, so your skin stays firmer.
For Best Results, Open a Jar
To get the biggest nutrient boost, opt for cooked tomato products, such as juice or spaghetti sauce. Cooking breaks down the tomato's tough membranes, allowing up to 2 or 3 more antioxidents to be absorbed into your blood. And if you love them fresh, let color be your guide: "the redder a tomato, the more antioxidents it contains," says Nowlin.
