TOMATO FRUIT

The tomato is the edible, red fruit of Solanum lycopersicum, commonly known as a tomato plant, which belongs to the nightshade family, Solanaceae.

This amazing fruit contains lycopene, ascorbic acid and phenols.

Lycopene is the natural substance (part of the carotenoid group) responsible for the deep red color in many foods, most particularly in tomatoes. However, this fact is not what lycopene is most famous for. Most people are familiar with lycopene because of the many health benefits it provides such as a cancer fighting agent and a powerful antioxidant.

How Lycopene Functions

Lycopene is allegedly a more effective antioxidant than other of its carotenoid cousins which include beta-carotene. Its powerful antioxidant actions are effective in maintaining the strength, thickness and fluidity of cell membranes. Cell membranes are the guardians of cells. They are responsible for screening what goes in and out of cells. They allow good nutrients in and remove cellular junk and prevent toxins from entering the cells. Strong healthy cell membranes are vital in the prevention of many diseases.

Health Benefits

Lycopene is well known specifically to help prevent many forms of cancer as well as the prevention and treatments of many illnesses and diseases such as:

• Heart diseases- Lycopene stops LDL cholesterol from being oxidized by free radicals and in turn cannot be deposited in the plaques which narrows and hardens the arteries
• Infertility-Research suggests that lycopene may help in the treatment of infertility. Results from tests showed that lycopene can boost sperm concentration in men
• Helps prevent diabetes
• Prevents age-related macular degeneration and cataracts
• Prevents the aging of skin and keeps it younger looking
• Acts as an internal sunscreen and protects your skin from sunburn
• Lycopene is also been known to help prevent osteoporosis.