Tag: tomatoes

Healthy Lifestyle Tip ~ Reap the Benefits of Tomatoes

My dad had a large tomato garden when I was a kid. He grew so many tomatoes my mom canned them in jars for the winter. I’ve always loved tomatoes, especially the ripe ones picked off the vine on a hot summer’s day.

I asked the AI program ChatGPT to list 5 health benefits gained from eating tomatoes.

Tomatoes are not only delicious but also packed with various nutrients that offer several health benefits. Here are five notable health benefits of eating tomatoes:

  1. Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes are a great source of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and lycopene. Lycopene, in particular, is a powerful antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red color. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
  2. Heart Health: Regular consumption of tomatoes has been linked to improved heart health. The antioxidants and potassium in tomatoes can help lower blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol (LDL), and prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the blood vessels. These effects contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.
  3. Cancer Prevention: The high levels of lycopene in tomatoes have been associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, including prostate, breast, lung, and stomach cancers. Lycopene’s antioxidant properties help protect cells from damage and inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
  4. Skin Health: Tomatoes are beneficial for skin health due to their high vitamin C content, which is essential for collagen production. Collagen is a protein that maintains skin elasticity and helps prevent premature aging. Additionally, the antioxidants in tomatoes protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollutants.
  5. Weight Management: Tomatoes are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great addition to a weight management plan. The fiber content helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing overall calorie intake. Moreover, the low energy density of tomatoes means you can consume a reasonable portion without significantly impacting your daily calorie allowance.

 

Today’s Health Tip ~ DYK the Power of Plant-Based Foods?

Plant-based foods contain !100,000 disease-preventing nutrients, such as phytochemicals, bioflavonoids, carotenoids, retinols, isoflavones, genistein, lycopene, polyphenols, sulforaphanes, and so on. They are also low in disease-promoting constituents such as saturated fats, trans fatty acids, dietary cholesterol, and sugar. For example, blueberries contain phytochemicals called anthocyanins that may improve memory. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk for coronary artery disease, breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. Ginger contains a compound called gingerol that may lower blood pressure and increase circulation. Pomegranates are rich in phytochemicals that may help prevent prostate cancer by reducing deoxyribonucleic acid damage and may increase myocardial perfusion in those with ischemic heart disease. Kale contains luting, an antioxidant that protects against macular degeneration. Studies are showing that although isolated vitamins may not be beneficial, plant-based foods that contain these vitamins often are protective. For example, “-carotene supplements were found to increase the risk for lung cancer in smokers, whereas foods such as carrots that are rich in “-carotene were found to lower the risk. (author: Dean Onrush)

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Today’s Health Tip ~ What Foods Reduce Inflammation?

Doctors are learning that one of the best ways to reduce inflammation lies not in the medicine cabinet, but in the refrigerator.  By following an anti-inflammatory diet you can fight off inflammation for good.

Anti-inflammatory foods

An anti-inflammatory diet should include these foods:

    • tomatoes
    • olive oil
    • green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards
    • nuts like almonds and walnuts
    • fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines
    • fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges

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