Tomatoes are well known for their lycopene, which is most present when they are vine ripened. The best way to get lycopene, which is in the skin and gives red tomatoes their color, and is also present in yellow tomatoes, is by cooking or processing the tomato (sauce, juice, paste). The antioxidant properties of lycopene may protect our immune cells from destructive free radicals.
Tomatoes offer much more than this; "It is said that there is no other known pharmacy that can cure as many things as the tomato." Not only are they therapeutic, but useful for health and beauty. Tomatoes contain vitamin C, which is concentrated in the jelly-like substance that encases the seeds. Many recipes advise removing the seeds, but to conserve nutrients keep the seeds. Tomatoes contain vitamin K, which plays a key role in clotting blood and maintaining strong bones. Vitamin A helps maintain healthy skin, hair, mucous membranes, bones and teeth. They are extremely diuretic, cleanse the body, help reduce cholesterol levels, prevent infections, eliminate uric acid (gout).
Beauty? It is believed that tomatoes protect the skin against ultraviolet lights. Tomatoes and tomato products enable your skin to take in oxygen, delaying aging and wrinkling. According to studies, lycopene contained in the tomatoes and tomato products is protective against the risk of skin cancer.
