Top 5 Healthy Foods series first article – Check back for future posts to read more about my top 5 healthy foods.
Benefits of Tomato Sauce
Tomatoes are better for you than you may have thought. They support vision and heart health and cancer prevention. Tomatoes contain all four major carotenoids: alpha-carotene and beta-carotene (vitamin A), lutein, and lycopene. They are also another source for the much needed mineral potassium that most people lack.
Lycopene is one of the most powerful antioxidants for the body. Cooked tomatoes are preferable providing over six times the lycopene than eating fresh tomatoes. The cooking breaks down the cell walls of the tomato making it easier to absorb the lycopene into the body.
Tip: Consuming 10 tablespoons of tomato sauce each week may decrease the risk of prostate cancer by 31 percent in men.
Tomatoes also contain the antioxidant glutathione which helps prevent damage to the cells and boosts the immune function. Tomato sauce is strongly recommended for heart health by reducing cholesterol plaque, preventing clots and blockages. In addition tomato sauce can protect against eye macular degeneration and cataracts, and helps maintain mental function as we age.
Tip: Tomatoes contain the mineral potassium; 1 cup of tomato juice has 534 milligrams of potassium, and 1/2 cup of tomato sauce has 454 milligrams.
In summary, tomatoes contain several powerful antioxidants which are important for protecting our cells and immune system. Why do we need this protection and support? Because each day our cells are bombarded by free radicals from the air you breathe, the food you eat, the water you drink and the fast paced lifestyle we all have. Free radicals can damage your cells and increase the aging process. The healthier your cells become the younger you will look and feel!
Resources All Worth Checking Out
What Are the Health Benefits of Tomato Products? from Dr Mehmet Oz’s Sharecare.com
10 Reasons You Should Be Eating More Tomatoes from WebMD.com
How To Make Fresh Tomato Sauce recipe from CookingLight.com
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Cheers to a Healthy Day!
Lou Ann Donovan