One of my friends suffers from prostate cancer. It fascinated me that he was being strongly urged by his physicians to eat as many tomatoes and tomato products as he could. He was advised to have plenty of tomato soup, fresh and cooked tomatoes with his meals, take plenty of tomato ketchup with his meals and drink tomato juice.
Like me, my friend is a great fan of Mister Heinz’s product range so readily took the advice and says he knew that, if he had tomato soup and/or a glass of tomato juice before going to bed, he had a better night’s sleep. I decided that, as a precaution, I would follow a similar regime! But, if you’re not already a tomato-lover, here are my top ten reasons to get started:
1. Tomatoes are rich in a collection of phytonutrients called carotenoids. You’ve probably already heard of beta-carotene and lycopene. But there are others. And exciting research in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute shows that higher amounts of carotenoids may have a reduced risk of breast cancer.
2. According to research in the journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics, scientists created diabetic conditions in animals and fed some lycopene while others were fed their typical diet free of lycopene. The biochemistry of animals fed lycopene returned to normal while the others stayed at diabetic levels. This study shows promise that lycopene (found in tomatoes) can help restore biochemical balance in diabetics.
3. New research in Harvard Health Letter suggested that diets rich in tomatoes can help prevent stroke. The scientists chalk up the results to tomatoes’ rich lycopene content.
4. Research shows the lycopene found in tomatoes, when eaten regularly, can reduce the risk of heart disease by 29%. Fresh tomatoes and tomato extracts have been shown in research to lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. They have also been shown to prevent clumping in the blood (known as platelet aggregation) which is a risk factor for atherosclerosis.
5. They contain an important phytonutrient called lycopene that has been proven in studies to fight aging and have anti-cancer properties. It appears to be particularly effective against prostate and colon cancers.
6. Lycopene found in tomatoes even protects our genetic material against damage and the resulting disease.
7. Tomatoes stimulate the production of the amino acid carnitine which has been shown in research to speed the body’s fat-burning capacity by over 30%.
8. Excellent sources of vitamin C, tomatoes can help keep your immune system strong.
9. Lack of lycopene in a menopausal woman’s diet has been linked to osteoporosis.
10. Because tomatoes are a rich source of phytonutrients they can help improve vision and protect your eyes from degeneration.
Eating tomatoes in a variety of foods helps ensure their best nutrient absorption. Enjoy cooked tomatoes in soups, stews, and curries. Enjoy raw ones in salads, sandwiches (cheese and tomato sandwiches have such a summer feel, mmmmmmm!!!), and salsas. I am very much persuaded by my research into the value of tomatoes and, in particular, lycopene and have been ‘hedging my bets’ by using a one-a-day food supplement called Ateronon in addition to more regular servings of my favourite Heinz tomato soup and tomato ketchup. Ateronon is the most ‘bioavailable’ source of lycopene on the market. This means that no other tomato supplement makes lycopene as easily available for the body to absorb and use. Taking one capsule of Ateronon, delivers the same amount of lycopene to your body as eating 1kg of cooked tomatoes. It has been shown that taking one capsule daily, builds up and maintains lycopene levels in the blood. Because of the draconian constraints on health claims being made for natural and homeopathic products, I believe that the makers of Ateronon are very restrained in their claims for the benefits. I am sure in my mind, however, that this “super pill” could hold the key to beating arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, strokes and even cancer. A Cambridge University study found taking the capsule boosted blood flow and improved the lining of vessels in patients with pre-existing heart conditions. It also increased the flexibility of their arteries by 50 per cent. The scientists believe it could limit the damage caused by heart disease – responsible for 180,000 deaths a year – and help cut the 49,000 deaths a year from strokes. They also hope it could benefit those with arthritis, diabetes and even slow the progress of cancer. I started taking them because of the ‘feel good’ factor. I felt reassured. One of the unexpected benefits I have enjoyed since I started taking Ateronon, however, is that I do not get up to go to the toilet in the middle of the night. I had assumed that was part of growing old gracefully but I now know that this isn’t the case! After a few weeks of taking them daily, I suddenly noticed I was sleeping right through! Sorry if that is too much information! Mister Heinz’s products are, of course, on every supermarket’s shelves. Meanwhile, you can find out more about Ateronon for yourself on their website www.ateronon.com or you can simply search for “Ateronon” on-line. But don’t just take my word for it – you can try and win yourself a three-month’s supply in an exclusive competition in ‘Health Triangle Magazine’ (www.HealthTriangleMagazine.com), the bright new health and wellness digital magazine from UK Health Radio. Join John Hicks for his weekly health and wellness ‘Health Kicks Show’ on UK Health Radio and local FM and Internet radio stations across the globe! www.health-kicks.co.uk Please note that all information and content on UK Health Radio and this blog are provided by the authors, producers and companies themselves and are only intended as additional information to your general knowledge and not as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. So please do not delay or disregard any medical advice received due to information gathered on UK Health Radio.
