Tomatoes are omnipresent in our diet today - strange to think they were once considered poisonous and used only for decorative purposes.
Super antioxidant
Tomatoes have become a hot health topic because of their high content of lycopene - the important antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red colour and helps mop-up damaging free radicals. Not only does lycopene appear to protect men from prostate cancer, it may also be protective against breast cancer. Research also suggests lycopene may be effective against cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration and even premature aging of the skin.
And that's not all
In addition to the star nutrient lycopene, tomatoes are also high in fibre and loaded with vitamins A, C and K, plus the alkalising mineral potassium. All of these nutrients work together synergistically to boost the effectiveness of lycopene and give you even more reasons to enjoy them now that the season is in full swing. It’s easy to forget – but tomatoes do have a season, although the hothouse variety is always available thanks to the conveniences of global food distribution.
Less is sometimes more
While for most people eating tomatoes won’t cause problems - keep in mind they are one of the foods most often associated with allergies. Part of the nightshade family (along with aubergines, peppers, potatoes and goji berries), they tend to promote inflammation - especially if you overdo it. As is the case with most foods, experimenting is the best way to find out if something is affecting you adversely. If you suffer from any kind of arthritis, unexplained aches and pains, exaggerated soreness after exercise or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), try reducing or avoiding the above for a month to see if symptoms improve.
The therapeutic effects of tomatoes may actually be greater in moderate doses, again underlining the wisdom of eating seasonably. After all, it’s only recently that we can afford to eat tomatoes year round – this was not always the case.
Getting the most out of them
Indulge in the natural ripeness and juiciness of tomatoes from now until the end of autumn. You’ll find an abundance of different kinds available – from cherry tomatoes still on the vine to the deep red Italian pear-shaped ‘Roma’ tomatoes.
- When adding them to salads, remember that the carotenoid nutrients in tomatoes are best absorbed when combined with fat-rich foods like avocados, olive oil and nuts.
- Cooking dramatically increases the availability of lycopene, so enjoy the versatility of summer tomatoes in omelettes, chilli, pasta sauces, bruschetta and my favourite – baked in the oven with fresh thyme and a drizzle of olive oil.
- You can reap the benefits of lycopene by eating processed tomatoes year round – but skip the cans and opt for the glass jars (more on that another time).
Finally – tomatoes should be eaten whole to get the full effect - always leave the skins on!
