Why You Should Love Tomatoes

Why You Should Love Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a common part of life for many people. We put them in sandwiches, salads, salsa, ketchup. Although it is technically a fruit the tomato is often treated as a vegetable due to its frequent use in savory dishes and was voted as “‘the most Israeli vegetable’”

in 2016. About 44% of the Israelis surveyed listed the tomato as their favorite vegetable and 56% stated that it was the only vegetable that nothing could suitably replace (JNS.org 2016). Although the tomato maybe very popular in Israel there are good reasons for you to love tomatoes even if you don’t live there.

Research has found that those who follow the Mediterranean diet in its generous use of tomatoes have lower rates of death caused by heart disease and cancer. Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene and research noted that the tumors in rats that consumed tomatoes grow slower than those in rats which were fed a supplement for lycopene which seems to indicate that the combination of nutrients as found in tomato makes it a more powerful aid against cancer than supplementing with lycopene alone (Magee, Elaine n.d).

“‘Tomatoes contain essential anti-oxidants and are vital for good nutrition. They contain alpha and beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene. Together, these anti-oxidants strengthen the immune system and protect the body against illness. In addition, tomato juice is a really healthy drink, as it helps with lung function and protects against damage to DNA,’ said Dr. Ilan Levin of the Department of Vegetables and Crops at the Volcan center.” Many Israelis surveyed stated that did not like to peal tomatoes (JNS.org, 2016) which is a good thing because research has noted that many nutrients can be found in the skin (Magee, Elaine n.d).

So which all of these health benefits it is a good idea to consider eating more tomatoes and finding ways to love them like the Israelis do. If you want to include more tomatoes in your diet I would recommended getting organic tomatoes if you can so you can enjoy eating the whole tomato including the peal without having to worry about how many pesticides it may have been sprayed with.

References:
Magee, Elaine n.d “Health Properties of Tomatoes” WebMD received from http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/health-properties-tomatoes#1
JNS.org, 2016 “Tomato Considered ‘Most Israeli Vegetable,’ Poll Shows” Algemeiner received from http://www.algemeiner.com/2016/05/13/tomato-considered-most-israeli-vegetable-poll-shows/#

Picture originally found here

Related Articles

More From To Your Health

Preventing Cognitive Decline

Many people hit the gym or pound the pavement to improve cardiovascular health, build muscle,…
Preventing Cognitive Decline

Diet Diabetes and Health

The body is fueled primarily by glucose-a simple sugar. In people with diabetes glucose cannot…
Diet Diabetes and Health

The Chia Seed

The Chia Seed has the highest and safest combination of Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants,…
The Chia Seed

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A baffling, frustrating problem for doctors and patients alike, IBS affects as many as 20…
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Concentrated Calories

A study from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) finds that American waistlines are still…
Concentrated Calories

Healthy vs Unhealthy Dips

"I think it's very expensive to not eat healthy. Eating healthy is the only affordable option…
Healthy vs Unhealthy Dips

Strong Bones

Osteoporosis is a condition known for weak bones in older woman, and while you may think you…
Strong Bones

Trust

By now, you may have come to realize that you need help to improve your health...Perhaps you…
Trust
Exercise - It Goes to Your Head

Exercise - It Goes to Your Head

Achieving "fitness" is different than just being active. Activity means moving about, burning…
Exercise - It Goes to Your Head

A General Letter on Arthritis

A simple nutritional suggestion helps many people with arthritis. It is to leave out all the…
A General Letter on Arthritis
Photo of rocks stacked on a beach, illustrating the article Balanced Living

Balanced Living

The word "Reasonable" can mean sensible, moderate, or balanced. God expects us to use our…
Balanced Living

Water Water

Our bodies are more than 50% water. It is not surprising that water holds a priority place in…
Water Water

The Best Form of Health Care

Benjamin Franklin said it best: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
The Best Form of Health Care

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation