The field of nutrition is constantly evolving and does not settle down for one moment. Each and every year writers use new information to restructure or update topics that have been written about in the past. Which brings me to the subject of today's blog (and for those who know me a food I hold true and dear to my heart), the tomato. In regard to summertime treats, one would be hard pressed to find a more satisfying food than tomatoes. Tomato sandwiches, tomato salad, Gazpacho, a handful of cherry tomatoes, sliced tomato on a big burger, so and so forth... nothing beats a tomato. Tomatoes have a high concentration of nutrients such as folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A. Tomatoes are also high in carotenoids. Carotenoids are the chemicals that give fruits and vegetables their bright yellow and red colors. The four main carotenoids found in tomatoes are beta-carotene, lycopene, phytoene and phytofluene. These carotenoids are what give tomatoes its anti-cancer properties. Studies show that eating tomatoes on a regular basis can reduce the risk of cancers, such as ovarian cancer, digestive tract cancers and prostate cancer. As a matter of fact, men who eat four servings of tomato product per week were shown to have a 40% less risk of developing prostate cancer. One study even showed prostate cancer regression after only three weeks of eating 3/4 of a cup of tomato sauce per day! In addition, eating tomatoes decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and asthma and lung disease. In addition, eating tomatoes can help you lose weight. Tomatoes contain chemicals in their skin called bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids are naturally occurring plant compounds that help fight disease in the plant, itself, and give plants their pigment. The two main bioflavonoids in tomatoes are quercitin and kaempferol. The main selling point of these bioflavonoids is that they may counteract inflammation in the body. When inflammation is reduced, the body manufactures more of its weight loss hormone, leptin. Leptin plays a major role in suppressing appetite and regulating metabolism, which are both important components of losing weight. So the next time you are trying to decide whether to have a second helping of pasta salad or tomato salad at a backyard barbecue, go with the tomato salad. Not only will tomato dishes taste great but, in the long run, they can help you be healthier and slimmer!
