The Powerful Tomatoes

Can you guess what’s the U.S 4th ranked most consumed fruit is? It’s not grapes; it’s not oranges, it’s TOMATOES! Now, most foodies categorize tomatoes as vegetables, and after attending the 10th Annual Killer Tomato Festival in Atlanta, tomatoes are everything. I could say Tomatoes are “Killing it” (boom) did you see how I did that? It’s savory, sweet; it’s a drink, it’s ice-cream, it’s a jam, did you know there is such thing as Tomato Cotton Candy…mind blown!!! Don’t you believe me? Click here: www.killertomatofest.com

So, call it a fruit or vegetable, whatever it takes to get you to eat it, I’m okay with it. Just eat tomatoes today, tomorrow and forever. Who knew you could experience such versatility and enjoy delicious tomato dishes, that are cooked, raw, canned or America’s favorite tomato dish PIZZA. Who doesn’t love a juicy burger layered with a fat tomato? What about sundried tomatoes in a pasta salad or Bloody Mary anyone? How can you not like them. What about cherry tomatoes, they knock a two punch; they’re mobile and pint size for that active lifestyle we are all striving to live. The power of this vegetable has a miraculous health benefit to our bodies representing a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants. Vitamin A, C, K, folate, and potassium along with the powerhouse antioxidant power of lycopene. Lycopene is a soluble nutrient that researchers have indicated are unlocked when cooked because heat breaks down the tomato cell matrix for maximum absorption. How do you like them APPLES? Carrots!

Tomatoes have a blend of anti-inflammatory nutrients and antioxidant, its daily consumption can be positive for our cardiovascular system, and is guaranteed to lower our cardiovascular risk according to researchers. Over twenty-four previous studies researched tomatoes and all seem to agree that the fruit has cardio-related health benefits.

In, addition tomatoes can lower LDL cholesterol levels, and they significantly improve blood vessel responsiveness. One of the famous studies done by Georgia military college measured a certain amount of tomatoes consumed by each participant within a period of 1 day to six months each participant consumed 80 – 500 grams per day and at least 2 cups of freshly sliced tomatoes. One of their unique findings was that tomatoes reduced the risk of skin cancer, due its alkaloid properties.

Amount of Lycopene in Common Foods

Garlic Herb Roasted Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 6 cups, Pure Flavor® Azuca cherry tomatoes
• 4 cloves, fresh garlic
• 1/2 cup, Italian Herb blend
• 1/4 cup, fresh basil
• 1/3 cup, balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup, olive oil
• 1/2 tsp, black pepper
• 1 tbsp, kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp, red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Cut Azuca cherry tomatoes in half, add to a large bowl
2. Add all ingredients to the bowl in the order listed
3. Mix by hand or with a spoon until tomatoes are fully covered
4. Pour bowl including all of the liquid onto a 9″ x 13″ baking sheet and place in an oven set to 400 degrees for 12 minutes
5. Let cool for three minutes, place tomatoes into a serving dish and enjoy

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