Turmeric-Tomato-Black Pepper Soup to Fight Inflammation, Cancer and More...

Although inflammation is a necessary part of your immune response to real health threats, when it occurs out of context, it does a lot more harm than good.

Inflammation and Chronic Disease

Research has shown that unchecked inflammation in the body is associated with even the earliest stages of disease development.  Inappropriate inflammation is the root cause of many common chronic diseases such as arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and even multiple sclerosis.

Yet, the key to reducing the number of people suffering from a chronic disease is to address inflammation through diet and lifestyle changes.

In a 2005 scientific publication, T. Edwards writes “we have enough information presently to make the necessary changes in our lifestyle to significantly affect the inflammatory process and potentially live longer, healthier lives, with fewer burdens to an overburdened and failing medical system”.

How to Combat Inflammation

The biggest factor that we have control over when it comes to inflammation, is our diet. While there are food types that are infamous for causing unnecessary and dangerous inflammation, there are others that have been proven to have the opposite effect. One of these foods is turmeric.

Turmeric benefits

Turmeric has long been used as a part of traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s being widely adopted in western culture for the same reason.

A 2011 study tested its effects on arthritis in rats, and found that turmeric decreased the production of inflammatory cytokines while increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the body. These researchers also compared turmeric to ginger, and found that it was an even better anti-inflammatory than ginger is.

Turmeric is also used to promote digestive health. Specifically, it can help to treat Crohn’s disease, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. Also, turmeric is an anti-oxidant, so it helps prevent cancer.

One study testing 3 different types of turmeric root found that it was able to reduce breast cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, and melanoma cancer!


Black pepper benefits

Eating turmeric along with black pepper will totally maximize its effects. There is a substance in black pepper called piperine that increases your body’s absorption of turmeric (bioavailability) by 2000%! Even on its own, black pepper can fight oxidation in your body, and can stimulate healthy digestion.

Tomato benefits

Tomatoes are full of lycopene; it’s what gives them their vibrant red color! It’s also what makes them powerful anti-oxidants.

Not only will reduce your risk of cancer, but consuming lycopene can also help guard against heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels in your body and keeping your blood pressure low. The bioavailability of lycopene (how well our bodies can absorb it during digestion) is significantly increased when we eat cooked tomatoes vs. raw tomatoes.

Turmeric Tomato Soup Recipe

This colourful and delicious vegan friendly soup takes advantage of all three of those chronic-disease fighting foods. We also love how quick it is to make: only 15 minutes!

What You Need:

• ¾ cup cherry tomatoes, rinsed and cut in halves
• 1 can diced tomatoes (don’t drain the sauce)
• ½ cup low-sodium vegetable stock
• 1 minced onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

What to Do:

• Fry onion and garlic in coconut oil over medium heat for 1 minute.
• Add turmeric, cherry tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
• Add canned tomatoes, stock, ACV, and basil. Bring to boil on medium-high heat, then cover and let simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
• Blend using a blender or hand mixer until creamy.
• Season with salt and pepper.

If you make this, post a pic and let us know what you think!

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Grilled Chicken With Basil Tomato Salad

Did you know that a study from the University of California, Berkeley, recently found that fresh ripe tomatoes with olive oil were scientifically proven to be the perfect summer salad?

OK, not really. That’s a made-up study. But if anyone ever did find a way to scientifically measure the perfect summer salad, then tomatoes with olive oil would probably be the winner. Especially if you add some fresh herbs and a splash of balsamic vinegar to bring out the flavors! And on top of the taste, this salad is also an antioxidant powerhouse.

For protein, add some grilled chicken with a simple herb rub. It’s nothing that will steal the show from the tomatoes, but this type of chicken recipe is great for making double or triple and saving the leftovers, especially as the weather starts edging towards “too hot to cook.” It’s just so nice to have some pre-cooked protein all ready in the fridge, and it gives you a reason to play around with even more salad options.

Grilled Chicken With Basil Tomato Salad Recipe

Servings: 4 | Preparation time: 20 min. | Cooking time: 25 min.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless;
• 2 tsp. (10 ml.) herbes de provence;
• 1 tsp. (5 ml.) paprika;
• ½ tsp. (2 ml.) garlic powder;
• ½ tsp. (2 ml.) onion powder;
• 1 tbsp (15 ml.) fresh lemon zest;
• 2 cups (473 ml.) cherry tomatoes, halved;
• ¼ cup (59 ml.) basil leaves, minced;
• 4 tbsp. (59 ml.) balsamic vinegar;
• 4 tbsp. (59 ml.) extra-virgin olive oil;
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper;

Preparation:

• Preheat a grill to medium high heat.
• In a bowl, combine the herbes de provence, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, lemon zest, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Sprinkle the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
• Place on the preheated grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes per side, until cooked through.
• In a bowl combine the cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil.
• Toss everything together and season to taste.
• Serve each chicken breast topped with the basil tomato salad

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A Tomato Sauce Allergy In Children

Tomatoes are botanically related to the potato, both included in the nightshade family of plants. Usually children who have an allergy to potatoes, also have an allergy to tomatoes.

There are at least four concepts to keep in mind about food allergies, namely avoidance, education, awareness, and preparedness. Your awareness of the problem of allergies in children is the initial motivator to encourage you to educate yourself more on this condition.

Education will increase your awareness and you will know the factors that can trigger an allergic reaction. This allows you to better prepare for situations in which an allergic reaction may occur.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Tomatoes Allergy

Allergy to a tomato sauce can cause common symptoms such as other allergic reactions. Nausea, vomiting, skin rash, itching, airway constriction, wheezing, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips.

These symptoms will usually appear within 45 minutes after people who have allergies consume tomatoes. However, a severe allergic reaction to tomatoes are scarce.

A doctor makes a diagnosis by observing tomato allergy symptoms and take your child's medical history. Diagnostic tests will be done if your child is suspected allergic to tomatoes.

Your child's blood will be taken and processed in the laboratory to detect the presence of antibodies to allergens tomatoes. Test results can be seen within 24 hours.

Warnings and Considerations

Anaphylactic shock due to food allergies can be fatal, it affects about 1 million people in the U.S. each year. If your child has a severe allergy to tomato sauce, anaphylactic shock reactions are possible. Take your child to the emergency room immediately if you suspect he suffered anaphylactic shock.

The symptoms of anaphylactic shock are narrowing of the airways, difficulty breathing and fainting that occurs between 5 to 15 minutes after exposure to an allergen.

A study published in 2001 investigated the cross-reactivity of tomato and latex allergens in a group of 40 children and young adults with allergic to tomatoes. If your child is allergic to tomato sauce, chances are she is also sensitive to latex as well. Consultation with your doctor immediately if you suspect your child may have some allergy sensitivity.

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How To Get Rid of Blackheads With Tomato

Usually acne problem, including blackheads, occur when the skin pores clogged with dirt, dead skin cells and sebum (natural oil produced by the skin glands). Tomatoes are known to be rich in vitamin A, C, and citric acid. This combination are a powerful natural remedy for blackheads.

In addition, using tomatoes are also much cheaper and less irritating to the skin than commercial acne formulations. The use of tomato as a face mask to get rid of blackheads is also flexible. Can be used alone or mixed with other fruits such as lemon and avocado.

How To Use Tomatoes To Get Rid Of Blackheads

Step 1

Sliced ​​lime half. Use hand juicer to collect the juice of half a lime, put in a bowl and discard the seeds.

Step 2

Sliced ​​tomato half. Use a juicer to separate the juice from the tomato pulp. Mix the tomato juice with lime juice. Pour the mixture in a small container and save it for later use as an astringent.

You can add a little water to dilute it, but it can also be used full strength for skin color after cleansing.

Step 3

Scoop pulp from the tomato juicer and put it in a second bowl. If necessary, you can use a spoon to scrape the pulp from the skin.

Step 4

Apply tomato pulp on your face, concentrating on areas where blackheads tend to accumulate. Leave for about 15 minutes.

Step 5

Use warm water and mild soap to wash your face, and pat dry.

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Nutritional Value Of Tomatoes

Although the tomato originated in America, but not many people used to eat it until after becoming popular in Europe. Tomato is currently the fourth most popular vegetable after potatoes, lettuce, and onions.

Actually tomato is a fruit, but many people consider it a vegetable based nutritional composition, flavor, and how to use. Tomatoes are widely used in various cuisines, including Mexican, Italian, Indonesian, and India.

Calories, Carbohydrates, and Fiber in Tomatoes

Tomatoes are low-calorie foods. Therefore, you need not worry to eat tomatoes. As you know, low-calorie foods can make you easier to maintain your weight. A 1 cup serving of sliced ​​or chopped tomatoes contains only 32 calories. Most of these calories come from carbohydrate content.

Carbohydrate content in tomatoes will not cause a significant increase in blood sugar, it is because tomatoes have a low glycemic index. Eating more foods with a low glycemic index is very good for heart health and reduce the risk of diabetes.

Aside from being a source of healthy carbohydrates, tomatoes are also a source of fiber. Adequacy of fiber in the body will help lower blood cholesterol levels and helps prevent constipation. A 1 cup serving of tomato contains about 7 g of carbohydrates and 2.2 g fiber.

Vitamins and Minerals in Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain enough essential vitamins and minerals needed to maintain a healthy body. A 1 cup serving sliced ​​or chopped tomato contains about 25 mg of vitamin C, 1,499 IU vitamin A, 27 mcg folate, and 427 mg of potassium.

Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant for skin beauty. While vitamin B or folate is indispensable in the formation of red blood cells and DNA. Vitamin A helps the growth and health of bones and teeth, as well as maintaining eye health. While potassium is an essential mineral needed to maintain a healthy heart and muscle contraction.

Protein and Fat in Tomatoes

Tomatoes are not a good source of protein and fat. As you know, protein is needed by the body to build new cells and maintain muscle mass. While fat, than as a source of energy, fat also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. To follow a balanced diet, you should be able to meet the needs adequate protein and fat. A 1 cup serving of tomato only contains about 1.5 g of protein and 0.4 g fat.

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Tomatoes Health Benefits For Pregnancy

The needs of nutrients and vitamins for pregnant women are different from those who are not pregnant. Pregnant women need more intake of nutrients and vitamins to ensure the fetus in the womb can grow healthily, and also to make a pregnant woman's body stay strong and healthy of course.

And increase the consumption of fruits is one of the things that are highly recommended. Among the many options, tomatoes can be selected as a fresh and healthy snacks during pregnancy. Tomatoes are good for pregnancy.

Vitamin C and Iron In Tomatoes

As mentioned previously, vitamins in tomatoes quite a lot, especially for vitamin C. This vitamin is very important and necessary during pregnancy to keep yourself and your baby healthy. Vitamin C helps the formation of bones and teeth, as well as maintain healthy gums.

Vitamin C also helps the absorption of iron, which is an important and vital minerals during pregnancy. As you know, pregnant women need more iron intake. Because of this, many doctors recommend additional iron supplements to pregnant women. And consuming tomatoes may help your body better absorb iron from the food you consume.

Lycopene in Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant compound that is believed to protect cell damage in the body. Many Institutes of Health state that it is safe for pregnant women to consume foods that contain lycopene.

Although the safety of lycopene supplement for pregnant women still need further research. So if you are currently pregnant, do not hesitate to consume tomatoes to get the benefits of lycopene in it. All you have to avoid is taking lycopene supplements.

New Developments and Considerations

A new breakthrough made ​​by a plant biochemist at the University of Florida, which is engineered tomatoes that contain folate, the essential vitamin to avoid genetic defects in babies. All pregnant women are advised to be sure to get the right amount of these nutrients.

Folate usually found in dark green vegetables. Genetic engineering makes the tomatoes become a valuable source of folate. But this will still take many more years to be perfect.

Meanwhile, it turns out tomatoes also can cause discomfort for some pregnant women. During the second half of pregnancy, many pregnant women experience heartburn. Acidic foods like tomatoes may be able to exacerbate this problem in some pregnant women, and make heartburn worse. If you are experiencing heartburn, reduce the consumption of tomatoes and avoid other foods that cause digestive problems.

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Benefits Of Vitamins In Tomatoes

Tomatoes have gained more attention in recent decades, because the content of a carotenoid called lycopene, which is believed to offer antioxidant benefits. In some studies, lycopene is known to reduce the risk of some cancers, especially breast and prostate cancer. Tomatoes are commonly used in a variety of cuisines, including Indonesian, Indian, Italian, and Mexican. Tomatoes are also rich in several essential vitamins.

Vitamin A

Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin A. One cup serving of tomato provides about 58 mcg or about 7% of the daily intake of vitamin A is recommended. Function of vitamin A is to help maintain strong bones and teeth, protects the lungs, kidneys, and bladder from bacterial and fungal infections.

Vitamin A is also necessary to control acne and prevent skin infections. In addition, the vitamin is essential for preventing night blindness.

Vitamin B3

In one cup servings of tomatoes there are around 1,227 mg of vitamin B3, equivalent to 8% of the recommended daily intake, according to the USDA. Vitamin B3, also known as niacin is a vitamin that helps boost blood circulation in the arteries and blood vessels, which can ease the heart's workload.

This vitamin helps reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the bloodstream. This vitamin also helps the body to metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates are used for energy and cell repair.

Vitamin C

Tomato is a fruit that is very rich in vitamin C. One cup serving of cooked tomatoes contain about 55 mg of vitamin C, equivalent to 61% of the recommended daily intake for adults who are not pregnant. The highest content of vitamin C is in the tomato skin, but also present in the juice. Function of vitamin C is to boost the immune system and fight free radicals that attack healthy cells, causing cancer.

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Health Benefits Of Lycopene In Tomatoes

To investigate the benefits of lycopene for a variety of health problems, researchers often ask people about their intake of tomato consumption. This is to estimate the level of lycopene in their body. As you know, lycopene is a carotenoid that gives a reddish color to fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and watermelon. In the human body, lycopene is found in the skin, lungs, liver, prostate, colon, and adrenal glands.

Until now, the benefits of foods containing lycopene, such as tomatoes, are controversial and require more research. And because tomatoes contain a lot of nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, and potassium, so many researchers were unable to conclude if only lycopene which gives real benefits of eating tomatoes. Quite a lot of research on the same topic which give conflicting results.

Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention Effects

Although not all studies have shown that lycopene acts as an antioxidant in the human body, but some studies actually show different results. Lycopene is an antioxidant that is similar to other carotenoids. However, because of the absence of an agreement, then more research is needed before making conclusions.

On the other hand, research has studied the relationship between the increase in the body's intake of lycopene / tomato intake and breast cancer. However, these studies are not very clear, whether lycopene actually affect your chances of avoiding breast cancer. Several studies have also shown conflicting results on the benefits of lycopene to prevent prostate cancer and cervical cancer. But in spite of all the above studies, a diet rich in lycopene, such as tomatoes, seems to lower your risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Other Benefits of Lycopene

Some studies show if lycopene has any effect on coronary artery disease. The studies are reported if the consumption of lycopene can help people with high cholesterol or hardening of the arteries. For other cases, lycopene is used to prevent benign prostatic hyperplasia. Research has proven if regular consumption of lycopene can avoid prostate enlargement. Those who have BPH is to be at high risk of prostate cancer.

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Tomatoes Health Benefits For Men

In the article "health benefits of tomatoes for men", I want to talk about one of the diseases that may be most feared by men. Prostate cancer! Yes, this disease has killed many men in the world each year.

Actually, like all systems of the body, prostate health is very dependent on the nutrient consumed. Consume enough nutritious food can promote the development of healthy prostate cells, and it can protect the prostate from damage. And tomatoes may be one good option to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Lycopene, Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

As you already know, tomatoes are a good source of lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant to counteract free radicals that damage DNA and stimulate the formation of precancerous cells. Free radical itself is actually a byproduct of the metabolic process. The only way to counteract free radicals is by consuming foods that contain antioxidants, including lycopene.

Based on data released by the American Cancer Society, there are more than 30,000 people who die each year from prostate cancer. Therefore, choose foods that rich in lycopene to protect you from free radicals. Stewed tomatoes is one good option. Tomatoes that have been processed, such as stewed tomatoes, contain a lot more lycopene than raw tomatoes or other foods.

A common medical condition experienced by many older men is prostate enlargement, or commonly called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is often made sense of uncomfortable and difficult urination. Based on a study, the consumption of lycopene may help treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. A number of volunteers were given supplements of lycopene per day for 6 months. And the results were encouraging, proven BPH progression can be slowed to a large number of volunteers.

Consideration

Although what was said earlier is based on accurate data, but consumes just stewed tomatoes will not affect the health of your prostate. You still have to keep your healthy weight (tomatoes are also good for weight loss), doing regular exercise and choose healthy foods that are rich in antioxidants. If you are currently experiencing problems with your prostate, try to talk first with your doctor for treatment options.

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Tomatoes Health Benefits For Skin

Tomato is a multifunctional fruit, not only beneficial for maintaining a healthy body, but the tomatoes are also effective for maintaining skin health and beauty. Tomatoes can work well on any skin type. They can provide help to overcome the problem of acne and oily skin. They can also be combined with other materials to address various skin problems. Benefits of tomatoes for skin health can not be underestimated.

Tomatoes are rich in antioxidant, which helps to fight free radicals. In addition, they are also a source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E, iron, and potassium. These are all very important elements for skin beauty.

Tomatoes also contains natural acids that serve to overcome the excess oil, which in turn can prevent the appearance of acne. Furthermore, tomatoes can reduce pore size, moisturize skin, and make skin soft and relaxed.

Overcome Acne Using Tomatoes

To reduce acne, take 1 tomato, mash until somewhat smooth, apply on face and leave about 1 hour. After that, wash with water until clean. Do it at least once a week.

To reduce excess oil, slice the tomatoes in half and rub it on your skin, focusing on areas that many acne appears. After a few minutes, wash your face with cold water. Or you can also mix tomatoes with cucumber. Mash and strain it with a clean cloth to take the juice. Use a cotton ball to rub it into the face. Allow a few minutes and wash with cold water.

How to Make Tomato Mask

Masks made ​​of tomato and avocado can be used for all skin types. How to make it very easy, just mashed tomato and avocado until smooth, then spread to the face. Allow about 20 minutes, and wash with water. Or you can also combine tomatoes with yogurt. Mashed tomatoes until slightly smooth, add plain yogurt and mix well. Apply evenly on face, leave for 20 minutes, then wash with water.

How to Make a Facial Cleanser Using Tomatoes

To make a facial cleanser from tomatoes is easy. Mash some tomatoes, filtered with a clean cloth and take the juice. Mix tomato juice with milk and stir until blended. Wash your face and neck with this mixture, let stand for 10 minutes before rinsing with water.

To shrink the pores of the skin, mix tomato juice with lime juice. Apply this mixture evenly to the face and massage gently. Allow about 15 minutes then rinse with water until clean.

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