Late Summer Tomatoes: Peak Taste and Nutrition

on August 26, 2015

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Tomato Time!

It's that time of year when the tomatoes reach their peak of deliciousness! Not only do tomatoes add a burst of sunshine and sweetness to the table, they also deliver a wealth of nutrients.

With just 22 calories and zero fat, one medium tomato dishes up a bounty of beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, folic acid, potassium, and antioxidants, including alpha lipoic acid, lycopene, choline, and lutein. Read on to learn just what these nutrients can do for your body, and then give our four fabulous tomato recipes a try!

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Packed with Sunkissed Nutrients

u2022 Beta-carotene, a fierce antioxidant and precursor to vitamin A, helps prevent prostate, colon and colorectal cancers.

u2022 Collagen, our skin's support system, relies on vitamin C for formation, and the two work together to help prevent damage from the sun, pollution and smoke. Collagen also smooths wrinkles and improves overall skin texture.

u2022 Folic acid is essential for pregnant women (and those who may become pregnant) for protecting against neural tube defects in infants.

u2022 High potassium intakes are associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density, and reduction in the formation of kidney stones.

u2022 Potassium, vitamin C, and choline all support heart health.

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That's Not All...

u2022 Alpha-lipoic acid helps the body to convert glucose into energy, aiding the body in glucose control. This is especially important for those with pre- and existing diabetes.

u2022 Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that prevents free-radical damage to the body's cells, is also linked with prostate cancer prevention.

u2022 Choline-which helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning, and memory- also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat, and reduces chronic inflammation.

u2022 Lutein helps prevent eye disease, including age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

What are you waiting for? Get these summer superstars on the table ASAP with the following, super simple recipes!

Robin Miller

Fresh Tomato Salsa with Mango and Avocado

After whipping up this fruity salsa, it's best to use it in under an hour to prevent the avocado from losing its color. Don't worry, though-what with the amazing flavor this versatile dish packs, we don't think devouring it will pose a problem. Pile it onto crisp tortilla chips for an anytime snack, or use it to accompany chicken or fish.

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Robin Miller

Barely Cooked Pasta Puttanesca with Olives and Capers

Capers and olives lend a rich flavor to a light, fresh tomato sauce. An easy way to dress up bow tie pasta, this recipe goes from stovetop to table in no time flat, making it the ideal weeknight dinner.

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Robin Miller

Spicy Gazpacho with Grilled Shrimp

The hardest part of preparing this silky, spicy gazpacho? Waiting for the freshly blended ingredients to chill before devouring it! Garnished with grilled shrimp, this deceptively simple recipe makes for an elegant presentation.

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Robin Miller

Bruschetta with Tomatoes, Charred Corn and Basil

We know-not everyone is a fan of anchovies. However, we strongly encourage topping this bruschetta with the controversial canned fish for a filling snack or appetizer. This killer combo of fresh tomatoes, corn and herbs on crusty baguette slices will keep you coming back for more.

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