Tomatoes are loaded with health benefits for the body. Tomatoes contain large amounts of lycopene, a vital antioxidant.

1. Tomatoes and Acid in the Diet
Tomatoes are loaded with health benefits for the body. They are highly versatile
health products, and contain many health benefits:
 Abundant sources of antioxidants – Tomatoes contain large amounts
of lycopene, a vital antioxidant. Lycopene fights against all kinds of cancer.
 Reduce cholesterol and protect the heart – The lycopene in
tomatoes also prevents cardiovascular disease. It helps in decreasing LDL
(bad) cholesterol and reducing triglyceride levels.
 Rich sources of vitamins and minerals – Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin
K, potassium, and iron are abundant in tomatoes. Potassium plays a vital
role in maintaining nerve health, and vitamin K is essential for blood
clotting. Vitamin C is a good antioxidant because it fights against cancer-
causing agents.
 Keep the gut healthy – Tomatoes reduce the risk of diarrhea and
constipation and keep the digestive system healthy.
 Lower hypertension – Tomatoes reduce the risk of hypertension thanks
to the potent antioxidant, lycopene.
 Improve vision – Vitamin A in tomatoes improves vision, and prevents
night blindness.
 Healthy skin – Tomatoes help in maintaining healthy teeth, bones, skin,
and hair.
 Prevent urinary tract infections – Tomatoes reduce the risk of urinary
tract infections, and fight against bladder cancer.

2.  Promote prostate health – Data from 21 studies published in Cancer
Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention demonstrate that men who ate
raw tomatoes had an 11% reduction in the risk of prostate cancer.
But, despite their health benefits, tomatoes can also be unhealthy when over-
processed. Cooked/prepared tomatoes are extremely acidic. To offset the
acidity, consume a large green salad before eating cooked tomatoes found in
spaghetti sauce, homemade chili, etc.
If you must choose canned tomatoes or if raw, organically grown and vine
ripened tomatoes are not available, look for tomatoes in glass jars instead of in
metal cans or plastic containers.
Because tomatoes are very acidic when cooked, they can cause the plastic
lining of metal cans to leach into the tomatoes leading to reproductive
problems, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Remember, it’s not always
what you put in the body that counts, sometimes it’s what you leave out!
Leaving out the synthetic estrogen lining from canned tomatoes is an easy way
to reduce your risk of these life threatening diseases.
Finally, because tomatoes are part of the nightshade family, joint pain and
inflammation may present in some individuals who may be allergic to
nightshade plants. If you have issues with joint pain and/or inflammation,
reducing your intake of tomatoes, whether raw or cooked, may help reduce
pain and inflammation.
____________________________________________________________
___________

3. Dr. Fred Bisci is an organic and raw food nutritionist with over 40 years of
experience helping people improve longevity and reduce the risk of diet related
illnesses. He has assisted over 35,000 people to improve health by focusing not
only on what goes into the body, but what is left out. For more information on
how a lifestyle rich in vitamins, minerals and water-plump fresh produce can help
you feel better and live longer, visit: www.anydoubtleaveitout.com