Tomato Health Benefits
Tomatoes are a rich source of various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide numerous health benefits. They contain vitamins A, C, and K, which help support the immune system, improve vision, and promote blood clotting. Tomatoes are also rich in potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
One of the key health benefits of tomatoes is their ability to protect against cancer. Tomatoes contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene, which has been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer and breast cancer. Lycopene works by neutralizing free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA. By preventing this damage, lycopene can help prevent cancer from developing.
Tomatoes and Quercetin
In addition to lycopene, tomatoes also contain quercetin, a flavonoid that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Quercetin works by inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells, and it has been particularly effective against prostate, lung, and breast cancer.
Quercetin also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to various diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. By reducing inflammation, quercetin may help lower the risk of these diseases.
Quercetin and Cancer
Quercetin has been shown to be effective against various types of cancer, including prostate, lung, and breast cancer. In one study, researchers found that quercetin inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells by up to 50%. Another study found that quercetin inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells by up to 30%.
Quercetin works by targeting the pathways that cancer cells use to grow and spread. It has been shown to induce apoptosis, which is a process that causes cancer cells to die. In addition, quercetin has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis, which is the process by which cancer cells form new blood vessels to support their growth.
Low Methionine Meal Preparation
Methionine is an essential amino acid that is necessary for the body to function properly. However, excessive consumption of methionine has been linked to an increased risk of certain diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and aging. By reducing the amount of methionine in your diet, you can potentially lower your risk of these diseases.
There are several ways to reduce your methionine intake, including choosing plant-based proteins over animal-based proteins, avoiding high-methionine foods such as red meat and cheese, and opting for low-methionine meal preparation methods. One way to reduce methionine intake is to cook with lower methionine ingredients such as vegetables, legumes, and grains.
By preparing a low methionine fresh tomato soup, you can enjoy the health benefits of tomatoes and quercetin while also reducing your methionine intake. Fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices can be used as the base of the recipe, while other vegetables such as onions and garlic can be added for flavor and nutritional value. By choosing fresh ingredients and avoiding processed foods, you can create a delicious and nutritious soup that is low in methionine and high in health benefits.
Disclaimer – Whilst I have taken all the care possible to calculate the methionine to the closest level, I cannot guarantee that this is correct as there is not a lot of data available to support exact methionine content. Please adhere to the weight of food over cup measurements.
Ingredients
- 1.25 kg fresh tomatoes
- 2 tsp Olive Oil
- 3 Cloves Minced Garlic
- 3 C Vegetable Stock
- ¾ tsp salt.
- 2 C Fresh Basil Leaves
Instructions
- Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil.
- Drop the tomatoes in for 1-2 minutes each.
- Remove and allow to cool before removing the skins.
- Set the tomatoes aside.
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Stir in stock, salt and tomatoes and bring to the boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir the basil in.
- Add to the blender in batches and puree until smooth. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender and puree in the pot.
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