Tomatoes…preventing cancer and heart attacks?
According to scientists from the University of Cambridge, tomatoes can protect against strokes and heart problems. They contain lycopene which helps reduce bad cholesterol (low density lipoproteins) in the blood helping prevent atherosclerosis.
Red tomatoes are the richest source of lycopene, it is also known for its potent antioxidant properties, it has the ability to neutralise oxygen-derived free radicals which cause cell damage.
Numerous studies have shown that a diet rich in lycopene-containing foods is beneficial for protecting against heart disease and several type of cancers particularly prostate cancer.
Lycopene also has anti-mutagenic action, helping to protect cells against DNA damage.
To reap all the benefits of lycopene include a variety of lycopene rich foods in your diet such as watermelon, guava and pink grape fruit.