Tomato Health Benefits - Powerful Anti Cancer Food

Tomato (solanum lycopersicum) is tasty and healthful vegetable. In Macedonia tomatoes are grown quite often and are used fresh, in form of a juice or as an additive to foods.
Tomatoes originate from Mexico and Central America.
Red Tomato - solanum lycopersicum

Benefits of tomatoes  

Recent scientific studies have shown that people which regularly consume tomatoes, have a lower risk of cardiovascular and malignant diseases, and other chronic diseases.
The tomato is a valuable commodity that contains very little fat, calories and cholesterol, but also is rich in vitamins A and C, beta carotene and minerals. One medium-sized fresh tomato has only 25 calories and is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial and medicinal ingredients.
Green Tomato - solanum lycopersicum

Green Tomato - solanum lycopersicum

Green Tomato - solanum lycopersicum

Green Tomato - solanum lycopersicum

Green Tomato - solanum lycopersicum

Lycopene health benefits 

Tomatoes contain lycopene.
Lycopene (from the neo-Latin lycopersicum), is a bright red carotene and carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables, such as red carrots, watermelons and papayas, although not in strawberries, or cherries. Although lycopene is chemically a carotene, it has no vitamin A activity. Foods that are not red may also contain lycopene, such as asparagus and parsley.
The human body cannot synthesize carotenoids, so they can enter the body only through foods rich in lycopene. The absorption of lycopene is bigger and better when instead fresh tomato, are consumed tomato products. It is assumed that cooking the tomatoes,  releases lycopene, and thus it is easier to absorb.
Lycopene is a proven antioxidant which helps in removing free radicals from the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules of oxygen, which cause cancer and other serious diseases. Therefore, tomatoes play a key role in the prevention and treatment of many serious diseases.
Lycopene may also slow down the growth and spread of prostate cancer in individuals already suffering from the disease.
Lycopene is found in watermelon, red grapefruit, guava, papaya, but most have the skin of tomatoes. The recommended daily intake of lycopene is 5-10 mg.

Other health benefits of tomatoes

Tomatoes also contain an organic compounds and terpenoids which assist in blocking tumors. Other foods which have high concentrations of terpenoids are the herbs such as rosemary, timijan, oregano, basil and mint.
Tomatoes improve the work of the cardiovascular system, help with diabetes, inflammation of the airways, protect the skin from harmful solar UV rays, prevent anemia, strengthen immunity, protect against cancer ...
Tomatoes improve the work of the intestines as a natural aid for easier bowel movements. From tomatoes can benefit people which suffer from constipation and hemorrhoids.
Also, tomatoes have beneficial effect on high blood pressure, stimulate the function of the pancreas, and improve circulation in the body.
Because tomatoes are rich in the vitamin C, it help in prevention of asthma attacks, respiratory infections, watery eyes and other allergic symptoms.
Tomatoes are used in numerous ways. Fresh or cut into pieces and mixed in salads - they are always delicious. Their flavor is unique in nature and enhances the flavor of any food that is cooked. Tomatoes are also used in the form of juice, soup, puree, sauce and ketchup.
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