Health Benefits of Tomatoes

http://www.karenrothnutrition.com Tomatoes contain anti-inflammatory protection from the antioxidants Vitamin A &C it contains in high amount and this can also stop free radical damage. Now as a reminder free radicals occur daily from our bodies day to day metabolism to consumption of harmful substances that lead to free radicals. Free radical damage within cells has been linked to a range of disorders including cancer, arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes. Lets talk a little about cancer because that is a huge concern on most peoples mind these days. Lycopene plays a significant role in cancer PREVENTION, yes prevention, think about that. Lets be proactive and prevent a disease before we actually contract it. Tomatoes are also a very good source of Vitamin K and Magnesium, both essential for bone health. A great food to add if you have low energy because it contain energy promoting nutrients such as iron, and the B vitamins B 1, 2 and 5 along with niacin.

Tomatoes are very high in nutrients and low in calories....only 38 calories in 1 cup of raw tomatoes. Think about snacking on cherry tomatoes instead of potato chips!

Fried Green tomatoes pose a couple of problems, first the fried part, and second, the green tomatoes have less nutrients, because until a tomatoes turns red, the full array of nutrients are not developed.

Peak season for tomatoes in the US are between July through October. Thats 4 months of the freshest most nutritious tomatoes of the year.

So when shopping for tomatoes look for ones that are deep dark red they will have the most lycopene, and they will feel heavy for their size. Its best to buy your tomatoes from local growers as you will be assured they werent picked early so they were easier to ship. When shipped from far, they have to be picked before they have been vine ripened then artificially ripened before sold to you.

Choosing organic will assure there is not wax coating and remember that wax coating can trap pesticides on the produce.

Using tomatoes within a day of purchasing is the best way to insure the most nutrients and flavor. The longer they are left on the counter the more they lose their flavor and the more nutrients are lost.

Raw tomatoes are so versatile, add them to salads, sandwiches, wraps, and one of my favorites is chopping tomato chunks, avocado and cucumber and tossing with olive oil and balsamic dressing for a unique side dish. Get a little more creative with some feta cheese or cilantro.

But to really benefit from the health benefits of tomatoes, youll want to cook them. Theres the traditional spaghetti sauces but consider baking tomatoes for a side dish. Simply cut a large beefsteak tomato in half and sprinkle with any seasoning of your choice. Perhaps cayenne and cumin, or basil and oregano, or salt and pepper, then simply broil cut side up for a few minutes. You can add extras like Parmesan cheese or coconut oil near the end of the cooking. Or put them on skewers while your barbecuing this summer.

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[GABRIELLE8675309]

I just found your videos. I love how organized and professional they are. very informational as well, I was thinking though, could you include tips on how to keep produce fresh when you open or buy it and how long it should keep for? I tend to waste a lot of produce because I don't know how to keep it or know if it is even fresh for consumption anymore = when in doubt, lol. Thank you for sharing!!

[NutritionalChoice]

@GABRIELLE8675309 Thanks for the post. There is a great website called still tasty .com that I think you would like. Check it out!

[mimaremirates1972]

I've been taking your advise and have found my digestion, pretty good lately, and I have lost a lot of potbelly, thks, ..I eat a lot of onions and garlic.

[NutritionalChoice]

@mimaremirates1972 Excellent thanks for the post!

[NutritionalChoice]

@mimaremirates1972 Thanks for the post!

[jgizzy]

You are pretty amazing! I think a better quality camera would increase your popularity -- as superficial as that might sound. I stumbled across your videos trying to find out more about onions and I feel like I found a treasure (you!). Keep up the good work in promoting healthy eating and enlightening viewers!

[NutritionalChoice]

@jgizzy Thanks for the post! I do need to get a new camera. Thanks for gibing me that push.

[Critique808]

I eat tomatoes often. I cut them into bite size pieces, put it in a bowl, and add fish sauce or you can add soy sauce.

[TheRedtaz]

i have a tiny prostate tumor, so i put tomatoes, parsley, celery, pomegranite, and a red apple in a blender. i have brocoli and spinach lightly cooked also. pumkin seeds too. i heard spinach, and brocoli is actually better for you if it's lightly cooked rather then raw. i read that eating them raw is bad for the thyroid.

[andyfa123van]

youre a great public speaker

[v8americanpower1]

i just started eating tomatoes today. OM NOM NOM

[BarbaraMParis]

I love tomatoes ... they kinda grow wildly where I live ...