Posts Tagged ‘Tomatoes Can Fight Aging’

Tomatoes Can Fight Aging

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

You definitely don’t want to age prematurely. Aging is brought about by many factors such as the food you eat, stress and environmental insults such as the harmful rays of the sun and pollution. What can shield you from these factors is a healthy lifestyle which includes nutrition.

You must have heard of fruits and vegetables that provide the body nutrients that ward off the harmful chemicals that cause you to look older than your age. Tomato is found out to have the anti-aging properties you need. Do you love tomato ketchup? There are many reasons why you must love this dip even more.

The Antioxidant in Tomatoes

Your sauce and dip made from tomatoes are rich in lycopene. It is an antioxidant that is not only good for the heart but also has age-defying properties. Commercial products that use tomatoes advertise that their products are rich in the said anti-oxidant that can help you prevent various diseases. There is much truth to what they say about the goods they promote. However, fresh organic tomatoes have higher amounts of lycopene than the processed ones.

The Lycopene in Tomatoes

This substance is known as a very powerful antioxidant. This is a carotenoid that is also found in carrots, tomatoes, papayas, red fruits and water melons. They help prevent cancers such as that of the prostate and colon. Vegetarians enjoy the health benefits of lycopene since they feast on these sources of the said compound. Also, they avoid animal meat that can leave your body with harmful substances such as free radicals and fats.

You may be fascinated to know that lycopene is a great shield against UV rays from the sun. It is one of the factors that cause your skin to age fast. This is why dermatologists advise you to take more of lycopene-rich foods such as tomatoes.

How Antioxidants Fight Aging

Antioxidants like lycopene fight free radicals. These are substances that are breakdown products of digestion. Primarily, they come from the food you eat. They may stay in your colon and if they stay long in the system, free radicals may cause cancers. Also, they may accumulate in the bloodstream and deposit in your body organs including the skin. When this happens, your organs may be damaged and may cause premature aging. Remember, that the texture, color and integrity of your skin play an important role in maintaining a youthful look.

Antioxidants cause the elimination of these harmful free radicals thereby preventing diseases and even premature aging of your skin. The said harmful substances may cause impurities to your skin such as discoloration and even wrinkling. Eating tomatoes which are rich sources of lycopene, you are preventing disease and maintaining the youthful glow.

Make Tomato a Star in Your Dish

You may be a fan of foods that float in oil and fat. You are adding more insults to your skin when you continue this habit. Why not let your fish and meat float in tomato sauce instead. When you do so, you have a dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals, can fight diseases and stops your aging clock. You will love what tomatoes can do to your skin and your whole look.