Superfoods – For a Long & Healthy Life. The tomato has been called many things throughout history, even a vegetable. Today, however, this lovely fruit is fast becoming known as a Superfood!
Recently it has been reported that the yellow jelly around the seeds has yet another benefit: They may stop blood cells from clumping together, which sometimes leads to strokes and heart attacks.
What is it about this little red fruit that makes it so amazing? Lycopene.
Lycopene the Disease Fighter
Just ask an Italian. Italian cooking relies very heavily on tomatoes and tomato products. And, some studies have suggested that this massive intake of tomatoes by Italians has resulted in a lowering of cancer of the digestive tract.
Now, you probably think you have to consume tons and tons of fresh tomatoes to enjoy any health benefits. Not true. In one research study, it was reported that people who ate tomatoes every other day had higher lung capacity. And, the tomatoes don’t even have to be fresh! Again, research shows that the lycopene in tomatoes is more easily absorbed by the body if processed into ketchup, sauce, and paste. So, not only are tomatoes a superfood, they’re a natural superfood to include in your diet.
Of course, fresh tomatoes are still beneficial and packed with excellent nutrients (not to mention delicious). Just remember the one rule of fresh tomatoes: don’t put them in the refrigerator. The refrigerator destroys not only the flavor; it also destroys the nutrients. So, go ahead, do something good for your health tonight. Have a tomato.