Grape Tomatoes are GREAT!

Recently, I ran out of most of my salad supplies, but I did have practically a full packet of Grape Tomatoes. They are so easy to snack on! I don't normally eat them as a snack but since we hadn't gone grocery shopping in awhile, I felt that it was a good option. For a few days, I just sat in front of the TV, popping them into my mouth like popcorn. Then it occurred to me, "these are probably really good for me, but I wonder just HOW good they really are?" So I did what I tend to do sometimes and I spent the evening researching tomatoes, but especially grape tomatoes. I found out some very interesting facts! All of the information supplied on this post, I have taken from other websites which will be listed below or directly linked to. Other than what I have quoted, I have tried to put this in my own words to you, my readers, because I want you to know what I learned tonight from my own angle.

First of all, I was really curious about any (and all) possible health benefits of grape tomatoes. If i'm going to make them a regular snack (since they are soooo yummy) then I want to make sure they really are good for me. Here are some practical things I learned, all which have been proven, in plain english:

If you eat them often enough, your skin will get better (texture/colour). Wow!

Helps with Acne problems- Try these tomato-based skin treatments! So cool!

Good blood purifier

It somehow has healing effects on your liver

Dissoves gallstones

Natural antiseptic (especially concerning acne-will go into that later)

Contains Nicotinic Acid which can help reduce blood cholesterol and prevent heart disease.

Enables the skin's ability to protect against harmful UV rays

Prevents premature aging

Full of antioxidants which are recognized for fighting pancreatic cancer, prostrate cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer

A source of protein!!! Grape tomatoes are the best ones to eat if on a high protein diet (they have the highest amount of protein- more than Roma tomatoes and normal tomatoes combined!)

Roma tomatoes are good to eat for prostrate health

High in Vitamin C- Keeps immune system running well and prevents general illness

Aids in Respiratory infections

Great for your eyes- restoring vision, cataracts, etc.

Now, I must quote this next bit of information- I found it incredibly fascinating: "Tomatoes also have the compounds chlorogenic acid and coumaric acid which have been shown in some researches to have the ability of blocking the effects of nitrosamines that are strongest carcinogen which is found in tobacco smoke. This is why through increasing tomato consumption, you could have a significantly lower chance of developing lung cancer and lung disease, especially if you are a smoker."

There are reasons that Tomatoes have so many health benefits. It's because of their nutritional profile. All of these big wonderful words come with many great effects. I decided to look up all of these compounds and other 'big words' on my own. I read about what they do on the actual tomato websites, but I thought it would be good to source them individually, especially just to document in one place why grape tomatoes are so dynamic and excellent for health. You can click on any of the links I provided in this paragraph for a description that I thought was applicable to the other research I did. Grape Tomatoes contain antioxidents such as Lycopene and Beta-Carotene, Phytochemicals, Lutein, Arginine, and Anthocyanin. Not to mention the vitamins (C, A, K, and a form of B3), as well as protein.

A few more facts

Lycopene & Beta-Carotene make up the tomatoes' bright red colour

Lycopene is the Tomato's top antioxidant. (It's also the one that helps fight UV rays)

Recent studies show that Lycopene is actually more powerful than Beta-Carotene, which is another well known antioxidant also found in tomatoes.

Your Tomatoes:

I was really surprised to find this tid bit of advice! I hope you find it as useful as I do!

"Look for tomatoes that are firm and well-shaped and have a noticeable fragrance. They should be heavy for their size and yield to slight pressure when gently squeezed, but they should not be overly soft. A common mistake is to store tomatoes in the refrigerator. Cold temperatures ruin the taste and texture of a good tomato. Also, wait until you're just ready to serve them before you slice them; once cut, flavor fades." "refrigeration causes tomatoes to soften and have a watery consistency and takes away the “True” tomato flavour." Eat them for a snack. Put them in food. Bottom line. Low Cal, versatile, delicious.

This is great- read if you have time! Interesting Facts on Tomatos including History & Folklore

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My Other Sources:

http://www.sunripe.sunripeproduce.com/media/sweetgrape_facts.pdf

http://hubpages.com/hub/Health_Benefits_of_Tomato

https://www.msu.edu/course/lbs/145/luckie/inquiries2006/tomato/index.html

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/natural-foods/natural-weight-loss-food-tomatoes-ga.htm