The word is Lycopene. Lycopene, found in high amounts in tomatoes, as well as bell peppers, has been one of the hottest targets of study by food researchers in recent years. Why?
Some food scientists believe that the DNA inside our white blood cells is protected by lycopene which defends a variety of bodily components and cells from oxygen damage. This helps protect our body from a variety of cancers, some researchers believe, such as colorectal, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers.
In this case getting organic tomatoes can make a significant difference in the lycopene content in your fruit (yes, tomatoes are technically a fruit). It has been shown in some studies that non-organic tomato products (such as ketchup) may have up to 3 times less lycopene than their organic counterparts. Nevertheless, all of them are still quite good for your vitality.
One study showed also that "low levels of lycopene increased risk [of colon cancer] by 230% and smoking by 302%."1 This is pretty serious. When paired with broccoli especially, tomatoes have been shown to be a robust prostate cancer-fighting team. Tomatoes are also a significant source of vitamins A, C, and K.
There are so many ways to eat tomatoes it is almost unnecessary to give any ideas, but here are a few easy ideas. Simply making chili with tomatoes and/or a variety sauces is a hearty and healthy way to eat your tomatoes. Making chili involves just throwing some peppers, beans, tomatoes, and meat, or a variety of other veggies, into a pot and letting it sit for a few hours.
Virtually any sandwich or salad welcomes the company of tomatoes, cooked or raw. Slice some ripe tomatoes and lay few basil leaves atop pieces of fresh mozzarella and you have yourself a really nice snack. You can always throw a tomato inside a grilled cheese for a quick healthy lunch.
