Tomatoes are powerful antioxidants

The tomato is very popular in salads and other delicious dishes but what most people don't know is there are more than 7,000 types.

If you like tomatoes and they are beneficial for your individualized meal plan; it's time to add lots of these into your diet. First, let's get to the best part about tomatoes. They are high in vitamins C, E, B3, and beta-carotene which are vital for the production of vitamin A. Also, they are packed full of potassium and the powerful antioxidant lycopene.

Do you have diabetes? If so, this tomato or to-ma-to could have some wonderful health benefits for you. Why? Diabetes is a disease that is marked by inflammation and oxidation. When you consume tomatoes and tomato products you increase your blood lycopene levels. Studies have shown that people with diabetes, which have the highest blood lycopene levels, also have a much greater glucose tolerance than those with lower lycopene levels. What is really amazing is lycopene is responsible for reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering hemoglobin A1c levels, lowering blood pressure, and lowering the bad cholesterol LDL. If you prefer to keep your eyesight and not get retinopathy then you need to keep your eyes healthy with high levels of lycopene. The eyes always need lots of nutrients and powerful antioxidants as well. In addition, in order to keep your nerves healthy so you never experience a painful nerve condition called neuropathy increase your lycopene levels. Want to keep your brain healthy? It's time to eat some tomatoes!

Remember, oxidation ages you in such a rapid amount of time it is imperative you increase your diet with antioxidant foods. If not, soon you will be sitting in a rocking chair instead of rocking out! This is all about, taking care of your body so it will take care of you.

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, Honolulu Diabetes Examiner

Julie is President of Diabetes Done Right, where she serves as a diabetes expert. She is the highly successful author ...

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