This Plant Compound May Protect Against Cancer And Radiation Therapy
For cancer patients and everyday individuals alike, radiation damage is of serious concern. Protecting against these harmful rays has been nearly impossible. Luckily, a chemical compound present in tomatoes has been found to have a strong component against radiation. Lycopene is a strong dietary antioxidant and gives tomatoes their bright red color. This is another good reason why we need to instill more trust in mother nature.
Lycopene 101
In the North American diet, almost 85% of their dietary lycopene is derived from tomatoes and its by-products such as tomato paste and juice. Some of the health benefits you can obtain from tomatoes are:
- Prevents and stops the oxidization of free radicals
- Aids in the prevention of diabetes
- Helps treat infertility
- Prevents osteoporosis
- Offsets age-related macular degeneration
- Prevents skin aging by boosted collagen
Study: Lycopene May Protect Against Cancer
- Lycopene is the strongest carotenoids reducing agent, thereby leading researchers to believe that it is the ultimate protectant against gamma radiation
- Lycopene’s protects cell membranes from damage-by-radiation
- Lycopene’s protective effects reduced as oxygen concentration increased, meaning that high oxygen concentrations lycopene will lead to improved cancer therapy using radiation.
Here Are Some Tomato Recipes You Can Try At Home For You To Reap More Of Its Health Benefits:
Bright Roasted Tomato Salsa
Ingredients:
1/2 a red onion, finely chopped
12-14 cherry tomatoes
Olive oil
A handful of cilantro, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of a lime
Instructions:
- Pre-heat oven to 475ºF.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or aluminum foil (this is not necessary but makes for easier cleanup). Place the tomatoes on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until slightly browned. Remove and let cool.
- Place the tomatoes in a bowl with the onions and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. Add the lime juice and olive oil to coat. Mix to combine.
Lycopene-Rich Turmeric Tomato Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
1 can diced tomatoes (don’t drain the sauce)
¾ cup cherry tomatoes, rinsed and cut in halves
½ cup low-sodium vegetable stock
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 minced garlic cloves
2 teaspoons turmeric powder
1 minced onion
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon coconut oil
½ teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Fry onion and garlic in coconut oil over medium heat for 1 minute.
- Add the turmeric and cherry tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
- Add canned tomatoes, stock, ACV, and basil. Bring to boil on medium-high heat, then cover and let simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Blend using a blender or hand mixer until creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
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