Tomato, for stew and more

Lycopersicon is a Latin word that means “wolf peach,” referring to the former belief that tomatoes, like wolves, were extremely dangerous. Contrary to these beliefs, the plant has proved to be of immense benefit health-wise and a very nutritious food item. Regardless of the many debates over whether tomato is a fruit or vegetable, tomatoes […]

Lycopersicon is a Latin word that means “wolf peach,” referring to the former belief that tomatoes, like wolves, were extremely dangerous. Contrary to these beliefs, the plant has proved to be of immense benefit health-wise and a very nutritious food item.

Regardless of the many debates over whether tomato is a fruit or vegetable, tomatoes are loaded with all kinds of benefits and are considered highly versatile health products due to their equally versatile preparation options.

Tomatoes contain many antioxidants, with the major one being the chemical lycopene. Studies carried out over time have shown that tomatoes possess a vast array of healthy benefits, including macular degeneration and certain cancers. Studies have also proven that tomatoes may provide healthy effects on your cholesterol as well as other kinds of health complications and diseases.

According to specialists, free radicals in the body can be flushed out with high levels of lycopene, and tomato is so amply loaded with this vital anti-oxidant that it actually derives its rich redness from the nutrient. It is also said that one carotenoid lycopene may help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer as well as the fact that tomatoes offer a good dose of that possible stroke preventer – potassium.

A write-up on essortment.com states that only recently, studies revealed that lycopene may have twice the punch of another well-known antioxidant beta carotene. Studies conducted by Harvard researchers have discovered that men who consumed 10 servings of tomatoes a week or the equivalent to 10 slices of pizza can cut the risk of developing prostate cancer by a formidable 45 percent. However, its benefits are not limited to the prostate. Italian researchers have found that those who consume more than seven servings of raw tomatoes lower the risk of developing rectal colon or stomach cancers by 60 percent.

Israeli researchers have found that lycopene is a powerful inhibitor of lung, breast and endometrial cancer cells. Research has also indicated that the lycopene in tomatoes can help older people stay active longer. It also informed that new research is beginning to indicate that tomatoes may be used to help prevent lung cancer. Two powerful compounds found in tomatoes – coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid – are thought to block the effects of nitrosamines. These are compounds that are not only formed naturally in the body, but are also the strongest carcinogens in tobacco smoke. By blocking the effects of these nitrosamines, the chances of lung cancer are reduced significantly. The article goes on to outline the following as health benefits of tomatoes.

A large consumption of tomato can help improve skin texture and colour.

Tomato is a good blood purifier.

Tomato helps in cases of congestion of the liver (protects the liver from cirrhosis) as well as for dissolving gallstones.

Tomato is a natural antiseptic therefore it can help protect against infection. Nicotinic acid in tomatoes can help to reduce blood cholesterol, thus helps prevent heart diseases.

Vitamin K in tomatoes helps to prevent haemorrhages.

Aside these, tomatoes have proved to be effective astringents and acne treatment. A simple way to use this is by rubbing the juice over affected areas and leaving it on for about 20 minutes.

Some experts say the general belief that processed food kills nutrients and potency in foods does not apply to tomatoes. “Although raw tomatoes are great for you, cooking them releases even more of the benefits. Lycopene is located in the cell wall of the tomato, so by cooking in a bit of oil, this healing compound is more fully released. In addition, cooking the tomato in olive oil allows your body to absorb the lycopene better.

Don’t worry about the availability of fresh tomatoes. Tomatoes don’t lose any of their nutritional value in the high heat processing, making canned tomatoes and tomato sauce are both just as viable and beneficial as fresh tomatoes.”

In buying tomatoes, look out for the bright red shades; they indicate the highest amounts of beta carotene and lycopene.

Nutritionist Michelle Fabio gives tips on ways to identify good tomatoes.

Here are the three F’s you should look for:

• Freshness. If they look old and wrinkled, pass them by.

• Firm, soft skin. A good tomato will feel solid in your hand and not cower to your touch.

• Free of spots, holes or bruises. These small blemishes can quickly turn into a big hole rotting tomato, so steer clear.

Note that you do want to get tomatoes that are fairly ripe, but even the ones that are a little under-ripe will do just fine so long as you have a nice spot ready for them. Some recommend putting them in paper bags or wrapping them in newspaper while others say a windowsill works just fine.

Nutritional values of fresh tomatoes

Serving Size:     1 medium tomato

Calories    24

Fat        0 g

Saturated Fat    0 g

Cholesterol    0 mg

Carbohydrate    5 g

Protein    1 g

Dietary Fiber    1 g

Sodium    6 mg

Vitamin A    1,025 IU

Vitamin C    15 mg

Potassium    292 mg

Carotenoids    3,992 microgram

Table from howstuffworks.com