Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomahto or Tomayto, nary a news day passes without tomato and health being paired. One day the red veggie prevents prostate cancer, the next not. Does this volleyball with the tomato amuse you? A balanced diet includes tomatoes, but the role in prevention of prostate cancer is unsure at this time.

Typically in studies a lurch of good news that is eventually downplayed or retracted indicates more studies are needed. In the case of the tomato’s “lycopene” that could be the case. Studies have shown lycopene to be significant in preventing cancer because it swaddles DNA with antioxidant activity that deactivates carcinogens. Hands down, tomatoes are still full of other benefits and the synergy with other vegetables is under review as well. Besides, they taste so yummy, dress up a boring salad, and Mediterranean cultures can’t cook without them.

As for daily dietary requirements the luscious tomato provides significant percentages of Vitamins A, B6, C, K, niacin, folate, potassium and even some iron for men and women. Researchers in Italy and Israel have found strong inhibitory effects of lycopene in tomatoes to colon, lung, breast and endometrial cancers. Coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid both found in the tomato are the substances being studied relative to lung cancer and tobacco’s primary carcinogen, nitrosamines.
Keep tomatoes on the menu. Raw tomatoes for gnashing or cooking are best nutrient-wise when fresh and bright red. Here are some final facts to convince you.

One fresh tomato includes the following: 24 calories, no fat or cholesterol, only five grams of carbs, one gram each of protein and fiber, six milligrams of sodium, and tons of vitamin A and C and potassium.