Tomato - Solanum Lycopersicum

Tomato or the scientific name is Solanum Lycopersicum are originally from South America. Its typically red. Tomato red fruit can be eaten raw. However, not all people love it! Did you know that tomatoes contain various distinctive properties, including help prevent deadly diseases? The red color is due to lycopene, a carotenoid or natural compound that gives red color to tomatoes and a variety of properties of natural antioxidants that are good for our health.

As a one of fruit vegetarian, tomato fruit is consumed in diverse ways including raw or as an ingredient in many dishes and sauces and not forgettable for drinks. Tomato have a great good taste with beneficial health effects. Its 90 percent full with water.

Tomato red fruit can be eaten raw. However, not all people love it! Did you know that tomatoes contain various distinctive properties, including help prevent cancer. Besides having antioxidants, foods containing lycopene may also reduce the risk of some types of cancer and disease. A researchers found that the high content of lycopene in tomato paste, tomato sauce and tomato juice.

Nutrition Consultant at the National Heart Institute (IJN), Mary Easaw John said the best way to increase the amount of lycopene in the human body is through the consumption of tomato-based foods and food products made from the material.

He said that, based on scientific studies, lycopene can help prevent certain diseases such as prostate cancer, lung cancer and stomach cancer. Lycopene may also help reduce levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and blood pressure under control once so stable. 

Mary said, the best source for lycopene is from SPAGHETTI sauce, tomato juice, watermelon, tomato paste, tomato soup, chili sauce and cocktail sauce. He said about 80 percent contained lycopene in tomatoes and tomato products, but the point that has been cooked tomatoes contain lycopene which is higher.

This is because the cooking process will break down the tomato cell wall thus allowing the human body to absorb lycopene. However, he said, preferably make sure you do not use excessive oil and fat during cooking to ensure better absorption of lycopene.