Benefits of Organic Tomatoes
The health benefits of organic tomatoes is the topic of discussion everywhere recently; the reason being a research carried out by a team of scientists at the University of California, Davis. Organic food lovers all over
the world are delighted by this news as there was little scientific evidence to prove the health benefits of organic food over non-organic food.
The present research, which has been carried out over a period of 10 years, does not make the claims of the organic food community strong enough to force the whole world to shift to organic farming from chemical farming; however, it does increase the faith of organic food consumers in the
So why are organic tomatoes better?
Organic tomatoes, according to the study, are produced in an environment that has lower nutrient supply as nitrogen-rich chemical fertilizers are not added. This leads to excessive formation of antioxidants such as quercetin (79% higher) and kaempferol (97% higher) in organic tomatoes. As we all know, antioxidants are good for health
and help in reducing heart diseases.
A good outcome of these findings is that the sales of organic tomatoes will increase now, benefiting the environment. Since, tomato farming requires spraying of large quantity of pesticides (pesticide requirement is one of the highest for tomatoes globally), effects of chemical tomato farming on the environment are high. Hence, consumers who buy organic tomatoes are content by the fact that they are doing good to the environment apart from their health.
In general, organic food consumers, manufactures and farmers strongly believe in organic food having following benefits over non organic food:
Better health: Since organic food is not prepared using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, it does not contain any traces of these strong chemicals and might not affect the human body.
Better taste: People strongly believe that organic food tastes better than non organic food. The prominent reason for this belief is that it is produced using organic means of production. Further organic food is often sold locally resulting in availability of fresh produce in the market.
Environment safety: As harmful chemicals are not used in organic farming, there is minimal soil, air and water pollution; thus ensuring a safe world for future generations to live in.
Animal welfare: Animal welfare is an important aspect of producing organic milk, organic meat, organic poultry, and organic fish. People feel happy that the animals are not confined to a miserable caged life while eating organic animal products.
Antioxidant Benefits of Lycopene
In the area of food and phytonutrient research, nothing has been hotter in the last several years than studies on the lycopene in tomatoes. This carotenoid found in tomatoes (and everything made from them) has been extensively studied for its antioxidant and cancer-preventing properties. The antioxidant function of lycopene-its ability to help protect cells and other structures in the body from oxygen damage-has been linked in human research to the protection of DNA (our genetic material) inside of white blood cells. Prevention of heart disease has been shown to be another antioxidant role played by lycopene.
In contrast to many other food phytonutrients, whose effects have only been studied in animals, lycopene from tomatoes has been repeatedly studied in humans and found to be protective against a growing list of cancers. These cancers now include colorectal, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers. While lycopene may play an important role in tomatoes' health benefits, it seems that it is not the only nutritional star integral for
giving this food a red-hot reputation for health promotion; recent research discussed below in the section "Protection Due to Synergy of Tomato's Nutrients, Not Just Lycopene" describes how scientists are finding out that it is the array
of nutrients included in tomatoes, including, but not limited to lycopene, that confers it with so much health value. All the while, it's still important to understand the many benefits that lycopene provides.
For the most lycopene, choose organic
Helping You Bone Up
Tomatoes are a very good source of vitamin K. The 17.8% of the daily value for vitamin K that is found in one cup of raw tomato is important for maintaining bone health. Vitamin K1 activates osteocalcin, the major non-collagen protein in bone. Osteocalcin anchors calcium molecules inside of the bone. Therefore, without enough vitamin K1, osteocalcin levels are inadequate, and bone mineralization is impaired.
Benefits of Organic