Eat Tomatoes

Fruit or Vegetable (it’s classified as both)- not only guards against several types of cancer but may reduce your risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, even diabetes. The primary nutrient behind tomatoes’ healing power is lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that works by neutralizing free radicals (errant oxygen molecules that cause cellular damage in the body). Eating foods high in lycopene protects against a wide range of cancers, from prostrate cancer to lung and breast cancers.

Tomatoes’ also can help prevent heart attacks primarily by lowering cholesterol . Drinking 13 ounces of tomatoe juice daily for 3 weeks lowered LDL “bad” cholesterol by almost 13 percent.

Another star nutrient in tomatoes is 9-oxo-octadecadienoic acid, which lowers cholesterol and fat in the bloodstream. Left unchecked these lipids can lead to such diseases as arteriosclerosis and even type 2 diabetes. Three or more servings a week of tomatoes are optimal according to experts. Are you convinced now about eating fruits and vegetables?

Try this tasty treat;

• 2 cups chopped tomatoess’ (red,yellow, and orange)
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground cumin, roasted
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and diced
• 1 banana pepper, stemmed and diced
• 1/4 cup diced green mango (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup minced cilantro leaves (for garnish)

Combine the first seven ingredients and the mango if using. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate. Just before serving, garnish with the cilantro. Yum, yum! 1/4 cup of nutrients=27 calories; 1g protein; 6g carbohydrates; 1g fiber; 0g fat; 0mg cholesterol; 245mg sodium.