You’ve heard that the tomato is good for you, but why? You
might be surprised to know that eating a processed or heated tomato is better
for you than a fresh tomato. The bright red and orange colors of the tomato are
tell-tell sign of Lycopene. Lycopene is reported to help prevent many kinds of
cancer including: Prostate, cervical, skin, breast, and lung. It also helps
prevent macular degeneration of the eyes and other degenerative diseases. With
those benefits and the vitamin C content, they offer a great immune benefit.
The reason that processed tomatoes are healthier than fresh
is because the Lycopene is stored in the cell walls of the tomato and are
released for easier absorption when the tomato is heated. It is also of benefit
of vitamin C to help boost your immune.
When eating tomatoes be sure to them with some fat, because
lycopene is fat-soluble. Olive oil is always a great choice, or your favorite cheese.
A fun side note: Historically the tomato was thought to be poisonous
because it is part of the nightshade family whose plants are poisonous. But did
you know that the stems and leaves of the tomato are in fact poisonous? Only about
200 years ago was the stigma of the tomato being poisonous was changed. I am awfully
glad it was I don’t know if I could live without the tomato.
