A study conducted at the University of Barcelona was able to show that organic tomatoes contain higher levels of polyphenols than conventional tomatoes. Polyphenols are natural plant antioxidants that are of great nutritional value because by eating them the risk of cardiovascular and degenerative diseases may be reduced, as well as some forms of cancer.
The researchers put this down to the fact that conventional farming uses nitrogenous fertilizers. Organic farming does not use these fertilizers and this means the plant itself has to mount its own defence mechanisms to protect itself and it does so by increasing the level of antioxidants. The more an organic plant is under pressure, the more beneficial polyphenols it produces.
For this reason it is best to eat tomatoes that are fully ripened. You will still benefit from these antioxidants if you have organic ketchup or organic tomato juice!
Anna Vallverdu-Queralt A et al. Evaluation of a Method to Characterize the Phenolic Profile of Organic and Conventional Tomatoes. J Ag Food Chem 2012, 69 (13) 3373.
Fleur Borrelli PG Dip cPNI, BSc Nut Med, psycho-neuro-immunologist and nutritional therapist is one of the Uk’s first psycho-neuro-immunology clinicians. Psycho-neuro-immunology is a multi layered approach to natural medicine, which looks at recovering the (biochemical, immunological, emotional, etc…) pathways to optimal health. It is based on the latest developments in the fields od psychology, neurology, endocrinology, immunology, evolutionary biology and epigenetic – all underpinned by nutritional medicine, exercise and psychosocial techniques.
Fleur is also a health writer and her book written in collaboration with Glynis Barber ‘The In-Sync Diet’ can be purchased here.
Fleur’s website: www.nutritionandsuperfood.co.uk
You can contact Fleur by email at: Fleur@nutritionandsuperfood.co.uk
Leslie is a Master Trainer for the world renowned Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute(APPI). He is regular key note speaker at conferences and travels internationally to present on modified exercise for rehabilitation.
Leslie is the founder of Bodies Under Construction Clinics situated in Berkshire and London. A specialist Private Physiotherapy Practice for People of all ages, but especially those in their 30’s. 40’s, 50’s and 60’s and beyond, who want to keep healthy and active.
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