Ripe tomatoes not only taste delicious, they are so good for you. Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a carotenoid that gives tomatoes their red, orange and yellow colors. Lycopene is one of the main reasons to eat more tomatoes.
- The journal Neurology reported that Finnish researchers connected high lycopene levels in the blood to stroke prevention. They found men with the higher amounts of lycopene in their blood had a 55% lower chance of having stroke.
- Lycopene destroys the damaging molecules called free radicals so they can’t attach to your cells and promote disease.
- Studies show that lycopene helps prevent lung, stomach and prostate cancers. There is also mounting evidence that lycopene can reduce cancers of the colon, pancreas, breast, cervix and mouth.
- Lycopene in tomatoes have been reported to lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Lycopene prevents bone loss and osteoporosis.
- Lycopene helps to reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Red tomatoes have the highest amounts of lycopene called trans- lycopene but research shows that orange colored tomatoes provide us with tetra-cis-lycopene, which our bodies easily use and absorb more.
- Researchers in Kyoto, Japan found a substance in tomatoes that activates your DNA to burn more fat.
- Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and beta-carotene. They also contain vitamin K, potassium, molybdenum, mangenese, fiber, vitamin B6, folate, copper, vitamin B3, magnesium, vitamin E, vitamin B1, phosphorus, protein, tryptophan, choline, and iron.
Remember to eat a little fat with your tomatoes because your body will absorb lycopene better with it.
You have the power to heal your life, and you need to know that. We think so often that we are helpless, but we’re not. We always have the power of our minds…Claim and consciously use your power. -Louise Hay