Nancy Crites B.Ed, NCP
Nutritional Consultant Practitioner

This is the time of year when many of us are busy harvesting tomatoes from the garden, or more simply taking advantage of the bounty found at the local farmers markets.

Making salsa, spaghetti sauce, soups and chili is a great way to utilize and enjoy the ripe fall crop of tomatoes. The juicy red sweetness should not be wasted as we have waited all summer for the green fruit to ripen. Let's take a closer look at this red beauty.

Although tomatoes are considered a vegetable, they are botanically a fruit. and classified as a berry. Nutritionally, tomatoes are high in vitamin A and C and low in calories. The tomato is considered to be an acidic fruit, however it is actually alkaline forming when it enters the bloodstream. Alkaline blood is more efficient at toxin removal and creates an unfavorable environment for disease, unlike blood which is more acidic.

As a member of the nightshade family, the tomato has been associated with exacerbating the symptoms of arthritis, gout, headaches, backpain, bursitis and high blood pressure. Eliminating tomatoes from one's diet may result in a decrease of symptoms, considering that each person is biochemically unique, results will vary with each individual.

Tomatoes are central to the Mediterranean diet, and this culture has lower rates of cancer and heart disease, as well as having the reputation of being leaner and more healthy in general. The ingredient in tomatoes responsible for this amazing cancer fighting power is lycopene, a carotenoid responsible for the red pigment.

In addition, tomatoes contain antioxidants such as quercitin and carotenoids. Tomatoes and other brightly colored fruits and vegetables contain valuable antioxidants which fight free radical damage which occurs due to poor food and water quality, toxins in our environment, excess exercise and stress. Please ensure you are getting adequate amounts of these foods in your diet on a daily basis.

Ideally tomatoes should be organicaly grown and vine-ripened to ensure optimal nutrition. Most tomatoes available here in the winter months have been picked green and reddened with ethylene gas. These do not develop the taste, texture, or the nutritional content of those picked at their prime. These tasteless, hard tomatoes lack the natural sugar which occurs while ripening on the vine. Even more importantly, the nutritional benefits of a vine ripened tomato cannot compare to the artificially ripened product.

An alternative to home grown would be to buy fresh, locally grown tomatoes found at the farmers markets or organic food stores.

Sauces, purees, juice, frozen, and canned tomatoes are a good way to preserve summer's bounty. Tomato puree will contain more vitamins and minerals than juice or tomatoes canned in water. They are plentiful now, so make the best of these red beauties, you will be craving their flavor in a few short months!

For those who prefer buying prepared tomato products, check for the many organic varieties available, this will ensure you are feeding your family a good quality food.

Most importantly, remember, for optimal nutrition, improved immunity and reduced oxidative stress--6 to 12 fruits and vegetables a day!

Sources: Paulette Millis Nutrition Column; Earl Mindell, Anti-aging Bible; Annemarie Colbin, Food and Healing, Foods That Heal; Dr. Bernard Jensen.