Tomatoes & tomato products are major sources of LYCOPENE, a pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their red color.
Benefits of lycopene:
- reduces risk of prostate cancer
- reduces risk of cardiovascular disease
EAT MORE… TOMATOES!!!
- Say good morning to tomato juice with your breakfast!
- Spread a tomato-based sauce over pasta, breads, or chips
- Add diced tomatoes to your favorite salad
Interesting tip :
Lycopene in processed tomato products is better absorbed by the body than from fresh tomatoes. Cooking fresh tomatoes with a little oil greatly increases lycopene absorption.
Hearty Hot or Cold Roasted Tomato Soup
2 lbs Roma (plum) tomatoes (quartered)
3 Tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic
1 quart chicken stock
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
½ Tbsp balsamic vinegar cloves
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
Place the tomato halves 'cut side up' on a baking tray with the garlic. Drizzle with the oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 375F for one hour. Snip the ends off of the garlic and squeeze into bowl or food processor along with contents of baking tray. Add stock, basil, and vinegar. Blend and enjoy! (serve hot or cold)
Senior Health and Fitness
