Facts: Lycopene & Tomatoes

Hubby was off again for a 4 day business trip. Usually, my kids request me to cook Caldereta for them. Even if it takes 2 or 3 days for them to eat the same dish, it’s not a big deal. Beef is a good source of minerals like zinc, selenium, phosphorus, iron, Vit. B, carnitine and creatine. However consumption of large amounts of beef can possibly increase the risk of bowel cancer so I give my kids in moderation. But what I like most in Caldereta is the tomato ingredient. Tomato sauce is a major source of lycopene. I’m aware that consumption of foods rich in lycopene gives health benefits.

Below are convenient ways to increase our consumption of LYCOPENE:

• For a quick and simple dinner choice, open a jar of tomato-based sauce and pour over your favorite pasta. Top with steamed vegetables or grated cheese.
• When making your own spaghetti sauce, include some tomato paste and a small amount of olive oil.
• Enjoy tomato or vegetable juice as a refreshing and healthful snack.
• When choosing soups…think tomato!
• Watermelon makes a light, fat-free dessert.
• Wake up your tastebuds with fresh pink grapefruit along with your favorite breakfast.

TRIVIA:

1. Lycopene is a pigment that gives vegetables and fruits, such as tomatoes, pink grapefruit and watermelon, their red color.
2. Tomato Catsup has a high acid content (due to both the tomatoes and vinegar in it) and therefore does not have to be refrigerated after opening. It is safe to store it at room temperature, but it will taste better if kept refrigerated.
3. In a study, Lycopene is better absorbed by the body when it is consumed in processed tomato products, rather than fresh tomatoes. Although the reason still remains unclear.