Tomatoes in Gala’s Borsch

We absolutely love those red juicy spheres, called tomatoes! Whether you consider it vegetable or fruit, tomato is a nutrient-dense, super-food that most people should be eating more of.

Tomatoes are a treasure of riches when it comes to their antioxidant benefits. Along with many vitamins, tomatoes contain a wide array of beneficial nurients and antioxidants, including alpha-lipoic acid, lycopene, choline, folic acid, beta-carotene and lutein.

Vitamin E and vitamin C in tomatoes provide critical antioxidant support in the cardiovascular system, and they are an important part of the contribution made by tomatoes to our heart health. It’s the carotenoid lycopene, however, that has gotten the most attention as tomatoes’ premier antioxidant and heart-supportive nutrient. tomato intake has been shown to result in decreased total cholesterol, decreased LDL cholesterol, and decreased triglyceride levels.

Because of the Vitamin B and potassium in tomatoes, they are effective in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. Therefore, by including tomatoes in your regular balanced diet you can effectively prevent heart attacks, strokes as well as many other heart related problems that may threaten your life.

Many studies indicate that tomatoes have anti-cancer benefits. Lycopene is a natural antioxidant that works effectively to slow the growth of cancerous cells. Cooked tomatoes produce even more lycopene (think of all the tomato goodness inside Gala’s Borsch ;)).

Calcium and Vitamin K in tomatoes support bone health. Vitamins A and C and beta-carotene in the tomatoes work as antioxidants to neutralize harmful free radicals which may lead to cell damage. Also, vitamin A found is fantastic for improving your vision. As a matter of fact, eating tomatoes is one of the best foods to eat to prevent the development of night blindness.

Tomatoes are packed full of the valuable mineral known as chromium. It works effectively to help diabetics keep their blood sugar levels under better control. Another mineral, choline, is an important nutrient found in tomatoes that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation.

So, the more tomatoes, the better. This is why Gala’s Borsch is among our favorite go-to meals. Tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and ketchup are all part of Gala’s special recipe. Do yourself a favor and stock up on this delicious goodness that is both healthy and super quick and easy to make. Just half a gallon of water and 20 minutes is literally everything you need to make a pot of wonderful Gala’s Borsch. Eat to your health! 🙂

Sources:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=44
http://www.floridatomatoes.org/news-events/10-reasons-why-you-should-be-eating-more-tomatoes/
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/273031.php