Tomatoes are a popular fruit in the vegetable group. They are also a common ingredient in many dishes around the world. They can be eaten raw, juiced, cooked, used as a sauce, or as a seasoning. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, potassium, and especially the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cancer cells and blood clots in the blood vessels.
Several scientific studies around the world have shown that tomatoes have the potential to prevent cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes.
Cooking tomatoes with olive oil increases their benefits
A study by Cornell University (USA) has found that eating cooked tomatoes in dishes provides more health benefits than eating raw tomatoes because cooking increases the amount of lycopene and makes it easier for the body to absorb. On the other hand, eating raw tomatoes limits the effectiveness of this component. Particularly, cooking tomatoes with olive oil enhances the effectiveness of lycopene. Lycopene is an essential ingredient in preventing prostate cancer. It also supports other types of cancer such as stomach, lung, cervical, throat, colon, rectal, esophageal, and ovarian cancer.
The darker the ripe tomatoes, the higher the lycopene and carotenoid content. Therefore, it is best to use ripe tomatoes. To prevent and support cancer prevention, it is best to cook tomatoes and add olive oil. Of course, you can still occasionally drink tomato juice or eat raw tomatoes in salads, as they still provide many health benefits.
Avoid eating unripe tomatoes
Unripe tomatoes contain a lot of alkaloids that can cause nausea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Tomatoes should not be stored in the refrigerator as it hinders ripening and reduces vitamin C content. To keep tomatoes fresh, it is best to store them in a cool and dry place with the stem facing upwards instead of downwards.
When eating tomatoes, avoid combining them with cucumbers as it can cause indigestion and stomach pain.
Olive oil enhances the value of lycopene in tomatoes
Easy-to-make cooked tomato dishes
You can make a simple tomato sauce to serve with raw vegetables, a popular dish in Vietnam: finely chop tomatoes and sauté them with garlic until thickened. You can also add eggs, seasonings, fresh herbs, and olive oil to enhance the flavor. Serve with lettuce and herbs for dipping.
You can add tomatoes to dishes such as fish soup, sour meatball soup, and other types of soup…
Tomatoes are especially beneficial for cases of prostate cancer, but it is best to avoid eating too many tomatoes at once as it can cause indigestion. Tomatoes should not be cooked and reheated multiple times. Eat tomatoes in season and avoid storing or preserving them in salt for too long.
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