Tomatoes

The tomato, the Italian "pomodoro," was long regarded as an unhealthy fruit. Though it began to be used in Spain and Italy, it took a long time before it could be eaten in tomato salads, sandwiches, or sauces. In fact, until the 1930s, in our grandmothers' time, it was claimed that eating a raw tomato was lethal and that it needed to be cooked for at least three hours to rid it of its harmful properties! 

Fortunately for us, tomatoes are now part of our daily diet. Biting into a juicy, freshly cut tomato, bursting with the flavors of earth and sun, is one of the greatest pleasures of summer. Tomatoes contain calcium and vitamin C, to name just two of their beneficial properties. 

A study done recently found that people in Northern Italy who ate 7 or more servings of raw tomatoes per week had up to 60 less chance of developing colon, rectal, or stomach cancers compared to individuals who ate two servings or less. There are also indications that tomatoes may play a role in prevention of heart disease, high cholesterol, and fatty deposits in the arteries. As little as two glasses of tomato juice per day can be very beneficial in preventing these problems. 

The tomato is a "vegetable-fruit" that plays an important role in a balanced diet. Low in calories, it is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals. Its acidic flavor stimulates digestion and assists in nutritional absorption - thanks to the pigments that give it its attractive red color and its content of vitamins C and E, provitamin A and other carotenes. Tomatoes also help maintain the body's acid-base balance and promote ongoing vitality. Lycopenes give tomatoes their red color. Lycopenes are bioflavonoids; antioxidants related to beta-carotene and are present in tomatoes. They are also good for prevention of prostate cancer. Eating raw tomatoes every day may reduce the risk of prostate cancer and other types of cancer, including lung, stomach, pancreatic, breast, cervical, colorectal, oral and esophageal cancers. All forms of tomato (raw, in ketchup, spaghetti sauce, tomato paste, soup, and salsa) had beneficial effect; however, tomatoes cooked in oil (such as in tomato sauce) appeared to be the most protective. Individuals from southern Mediterranean countries, including Portugal, Italy, and Greece, have a low incidence of prostate cancer. Coincidentally, in these countries, tomato consumption is high. Raw salads play a crucial role in our diet. We should have at least one raw salad a day. Raw food means life.

Disclaimer: These articles from Dr. Tony's desk are for educational purposes only and are not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. 

If you have any questions regarding the information presented, please contact:

Tony Morais, ND 

Hope for Health 

(309) 343-5853

Adapted from: Alfons Balbach and Daniel S. F. Boarim 

As Hortalicas na Medicina Natural, Edicoes 

Vida Plena, Itaquaquecetuba, SP (Poruguse), 1993