The Nutritional Value of Tomatoes

Red, yellow, orange, plain, salted, fresh or cooked. The possibilities with tomatoes are endless. This multi functional vegetable not only pleases the taste buds, it pleases our bodies with all it’s nutritional value too.

Tomatoes contain a large amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Lycopene. Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, has been shown in studies to help prevent certain cancers and heart disease. You should be aware that there are certain conditions that will increase the ability for this nutrient to be absorbed into your system. This disease fighting agent is a lipophilic, or fat soluble, substance. Because of this, adding fat to your tomatoes or tomato products can help increase your body’s absorption of Lycopene.

With tomato season in full swing, you can indulge in this summertime favorite and feel good about doing it! In addition to fresh tomatoes, ketchup, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste are also high in Lycopene. Try the following recipe for a great nutrient power packed sauce!


Tomato Sauce

What you’ll need:

•	2 Tbsp Olive Oil
•	1 medium tomato, chopped
•	¼ cup chopped red onion
•	2 cloves of garlic, chopped
•	½ cup organic tomato sauce or paste

What to do:

1.	Pour olive oil into a frying pan.
2.	Add chopped tomato, onion, and garlic.
3.	Sauté for 3-4 minutes; Add tomato sauce/paste.
4.	Cook over low until sauce is heated through.

You can enjoy this sauce over chicken or pasta or as a dipping sauce for bread!