An average size tomato boasts only 35 calories. Tomatoes are rich in
vitamins A and C and fiber, and are cholesterol free. Furthermore, new
medical research suggests that the consumption of lycopene, the stuff
that makes tomatoes red - may prevent cancer.
Lycopene is part of the
family of pigments called carotenoids, which are natural compounds that
create the colors of fruits and vegetables. For example, beta carotene
is the orange pigment in carrots. As with essential amino acids, they
are not produced by the human body. Lycopene us the most powerful
antioxidant in the carotenoid family and, with vitamins C and E, protect
us from the free radicals that degrade many parts of the body. Tomatoes
are used in many food product, including, of course ketchup, pasta and
pizza. Cooked tomatoes have higher concentrations of lycopene than
non-cooked tomatoes. According to a Steel Packing Council survey of
1997, 68 percent of chefs use canned tomatoes for convenience, quality
and flavoring. It hasn’t changed much since.
Source:interestingtopics.net
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