Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient in the kitchen, but they also have numerous health benefits, including anti-cancer properties.

Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes, has been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer. However, there are some simple tricks you can use to boost the anti-cancer power of tomatoes.

Choose the Right Tomato

Not all tomatoes are created equal when it comes to cancer-fighting properties. Research has shown that certain varieties of tomatoes have higher lycopene content than others.

For example, San Marzano and Roma tomatoes have been found to have higher levels of lycopene. So when you’re shopping for tomatoes, choose these varieties to get the most health benefits.

Cooking Techniques Matter

The way you prepare and cook your tomatoes can also affect their anti-cancer power. For example, cooking tomatoes actually increases their lycopene content, as it breaks down the cell walls and releases more of the beneficial compound.

Additionally, cooking them with a little bit of oil can help your body absorb more of the lycopene. So try to incorporate more cooked tomatoes into your meals, whether it’s in pasta sauce, soup, or roasted as a side dish.

Add Some Heat

Spicy foods aren’t just tasty—they can also have anti-cancer properties. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, has been shown to slow the growth of cancer cells in multiple studies.

So try adding some diced jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes to your tomato dishes to give them a little kick and an extra cancer-fighting boost.

Pair with Leafy Greens

Pairing your tomatoes with leafy greens can enhance their cancer-fighting properties. The chlorophyll in green veggies like spinach and kale has been shown to bind to carcinogenic toxins in the body, preventing them from being absorbed.

And when paired with tomatoes, the vitamin C in the greens can actually boost the absorption of lycopene. So consider adding some spinach to your tomato soup or serving a side of steamed kale with your roasted tomato dish.

Include Some Garlic

Garlic not only adds flavor to your tomato dishes but can also enhance their anti-cancer power.

A study published in Cancer Prevention Research found that consuming both garlic and tomatoes together resulted in a significant reduction in prostate cancer risk in men. So try adding some minced garlic to your tomato sauce or soup, or even roasting some with your tomatoes to bring out a sweet, caramelized flavor.

Choose Organic When Possible

When it comes to purchasing tomatoes, choosing organic can have a big impact on the level of anti-cancer power they possess.

Studies have found that organic tomatoes have higher levels of phenolic compounds, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Additionally, organic farming practices omit the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can have toxic effects on the body and increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

So when you can, opt for organic tomatoes to get the most health benefits.

Store Them Properly

Storing your tomatoes properly can help to maintain their anti-cancer compounds. Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and never in the refrigerator.

When stored at room temperature, the lycopene content in tomatoes actually increases. And when tomatoes are refrigerated, they lose their flavor and texture, making them less appetizing to eat. So keep your tomatoes on the kitchen counter and use them within a week for the best flavor and health benefits.

Don’t Overdo It

While tomatoes have numerous health benefits, it’s important to remember that they are still just one component of a healthy, balanced diet.

Consuming too much of any one food can have negative consequences, including an increased risk of certain types of cancer. So enjoy your tomatoes in moderation, as part of a varied diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

Conclusion

Tomatoes are a delicious and healthy ingredient that can be easily incorporated into your meals. And with a few simple tricks, you can boost their anti-cancer power even further.

Whether you’re choosing the right variety, cooking them properly, or pairing them with other healthy ingredients, there are numerous ways to enjoy the health benefits of tomatoes. So start experimenting with these tricks today and enjoy all that this tasty fruit has to offer!.