Are Tomatoes Bad For You?

If you are anything like myself you probably thought or read plenty of information that Tomatoes weren't good to eat if you are trying to 'Lose weight', 'On a Diet', or just "Trying to get in shape'. Right?! Wrong. Tomatoes are a fantastic superfood and paired with the right fats and/or vegetables can be one of the World's Healthiest Foods. Let's break it down: Tomatoes contain a high volume of water which is great in helping you feel full faster on less food. With only 14cal per 100gr makes Tomatoes are a low in calorie food great for weightloss. Tomato is rich in Lycopene Antioxidant. This carotenoid found in Tomatoes has been known for it's cancer preventing properties; namely known as: Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Intestinal Cancer. When paired with healthy monounsaturated fats such as Olive oil, Nuts & Avocados it makes it up to 4x's more effective. The antioxidant function helps against free radicals in the body that can damage our cells. It's also known for preventing Heart Disease. Reducing bad cholesterol. Improving skin by making it smoother (less wrinkles). Tomatoes are also a good source of potassium, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin E & magnesium. Tomatoes are enjoyed worldwide with China being it's largest producer, followed by the USA, Turkey India and Italy. So, there you have it. Tomatoes are a fantastic food that is really healthy. Here in Italy we really enjoy them and incorporate them daily in our meals. I'll give you a few quick easy tips on just how to incorporate them into your meals and still make it a beneficial meal after or before your workouts. Ciao.

• Chop up grape or cherry tomatoes and add to a salad. Drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, S&P.
• Dice a large tomato place in a bowl. Add a few Basil leaves drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, S&P mix well. Serve over toasted bread of your choice.
• Chop up whatever tomato you have or want place in a pan with just a bit of E.V.O.Oil, one garlic clove, a few chili flakes (optional), a few basil leaves, S&P and allow to cook for about 15min. In the meantime boil a pot of lightly salted water throw in wholegrain spaghetti cook for 8 min (or whatever cook time says on package). Drain and add your tomato sauce. Yum.
• Or do the picture. Halve some Cherry tomatoes, add some Basil leaves and Tuna. Dress with E.V.O.Oil, S&P. Enjoy.

I hope that you enjoy a Tomato and Eat one for Breast Cancer awareness month starting October.