Superfood Spotlight: Tomato
As a little girl, one of my favorite things to eat was sliced up raw tomato. And it still is today. Nothing excites me more than freshly picked tomatoes from my grandfather’s garden. I can eat them like apples, and I enjoy them even more with some sea salt sprinkled on top.
Tomatoes make the superfood list because they have several bioactive compounds that:
- protect against cancer
- decrease inflammation in the body
- prevent heart disease
- lower cholesterol levels
- may protect against neurodegenerative diseases
Lycopene is the most well known antioxidant found in tomatoes and countless studies have proven its cancer protective effects. Another bioactive phytochemical in tomatoes is melatonin, which humans produce naturally, and when consumed is associated with overall health improvement.
Tomatoes are definitely a superfood to add to your grocery basket. Choose organic and buy from local farmers whenever possible since they will be in season now that summer is almost here! Store them on the counter for maximum ripeness and flavor. Add them to any meal— raw, sliced up with some sea salt and olive oil. Enjoy!