Foods that heal...Tomatoes
November 2nd 2006 06:10
The Mediterranean diet is rich in tomatoes, but our culture is only recently becoming aware of its benefits.
Tomataoes contain the antioxidants, Vitamin E and Vitamin C plus beta carotene. These antioxidants have abilities that decrease the risks of cancer, heart disease and cataracts.
Tomatoes are also a good source of Quercetin, which suppresses the production of histamine in people with allergies. It also contains a large amount of the carotene, lycopene. Studies on lycopene have shown a reduction in the occurance of prostate cancer in men who have a diet that is rich in tomatoes. The tomatoes must be cooked in order for the lycopene to be of benefit. Spaghetti sauces, tomato sauces and salsas are a great way to recieve the benefits of this bonus food.
Tomatoes are also rich in potassium which is needed to help regulate the sodium levels in the body and to control blood pressure.
Try the following recipe for Cream of tomato and bacon soup. It is a great source of the health benefits that are vaialable from tomatoes.
Ingredients
Canned tomatoes(no sugar) x 3
Bacon rashers(97% fat free) x 3 (chopped)
1/2 onion chopped
two large dessertspoons of tomato paste
2 teaspoons of vegetable stock powder
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cream (lite)
Natural yoghurt x 1 dollop
Parsley sprig
Add the first 7 ingredients to a saucepan and heat through until onion is cooked.
Allow to cool and process through a food processor until smooth.
Return to the sauce pan and gently heat through. add cream and serve immediately with a dollop of yoghurt and sprig of parsley as garnish.
Serve with wholemeal crusty bread for a great healthy combination. ENJOY!!
Resources
Healing foods by Miriam Poulin
Tomataoes contain the antioxidants, Vitamin E and Vitamin C plus beta carotene. These antioxidants have abilities that decrease the risks of cancer, heart disease and cataracts.
Tomatoes are also a good source of Quercetin, which suppresses the production of histamine in people with allergies. It also contains a large amount of the carotene, lycopene. Studies on lycopene have shown a reduction in the occurance of prostate cancer in men who have a diet that is rich in tomatoes. The tomatoes must be cooked in order for the lycopene to be of benefit. Spaghetti sauces, tomato sauces and salsas are a great way to recieve the benefits of this bonus food.
Tomatoes are also rich in potassium which is needed to help regulate the sodium levels in the body and to control blood pressure.
Try the following recipe for Cream of tomato and bacon soup. It is a great source of the health benefits that are vaialable from tomatoes.
Ingredients
Canned tomatoes(no sugar) x 3
Bacon rashers(97% fat free) x 3 (chopped)
1/2 onion chopped
two large dessertspoons of tomato paste
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cream (lite)
Natural yoghurt x 1 dollop
Parsley sprig
Add the first 7 ingredients to a saucepan and heat through until onion is cooked.
Allow to cool and process through a food processor until smooth.
Return to the sauce pan and gently heat through. add cream and serve immediately with a dollop of yoghurt and sprig of parsley as garnish.
Serve with wholemeal crusty bread for a great healthy combination. ENJOY!!
Resources
Healing foods by Miriam Poulin
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