Studies show the tomato may help decrease the risk of prostate cancer, as well as breast, lung and stomach cancers. The fibre, potassium, vitamin C and choline in tomatoes are all proven to support heart health.
Lycopene is found in tomatoes and is a powerful antioxidant and helps fight disease. Also, tomato juice, because of it’s various phytonutrients,can reduce the risk of blood clots.
Italiancooking relies very heavily on tomatoes and tomato products. And, some studies have suggested that this heavy intake of tomatoes by Italians has resulted in a lowering of cancer of the digestive tract.
It has been reported that people who eat tomatoes at least every other day had greater lung capacity. Research also shows that the lycopene in tomatoes is more easily absorbed by the body if processed into ketchup, sauce and paste.
So stop at your local farm stand or supermarket for fresh tomatoes and enjoy. Just remember the one rule of fresh tomatoes: don’t put them in the refrigerator. The refrigerator destroys not only the flavor, it also destroys the nutrients.