Rosalee Brown

Red is associated with love and sometimes with items targeted at women. In the culinary world, tomatoes are referred to as 'love apples', and though they are nutritious for both sexes, their value in prostate health make them especially useful for men.

For healthy prostates

Lycopene, a red nutrient abundant in tomatoes, is found in the tissues of the testicles and prostate. Research suggests that lycopene has an effect on cancerous cell growth and that men who regularly consume fresh tomatoes, tomato juice and sauce have a lower risk of prostate cancer.

Lycopene is a carotenoid. Carotenoids are the pigments such as red, yellow and orange, synthesised by a wide range of plants and some of them, like beta carotene, have vitamin A activity. Lycopene is soluble in fats and functions as an antioxidant.

Antioxidants have been shown to react with and quench free radical reactions in fat membranes. Free radicals are highly reactive electrons that can create chemical damage in the body, resulting in premature ageing and diseases. Free radicals are produced in the body by normal metabolic processes but can also be increased by outside sources such as smoking.

Tomatoes have a high water content, small amounts of carbohydrate and very little protein and fats. However, they are very rich in vitamins and minerals, high in vitamin C and a range of B vitamins. They are also a rich source of vitamin A and are also high in potassium and contain other minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus. Tomatoes also contain a small amount of iron.

Cooked tomatoes

Lycopene is more readily available from cooked tomatoes, especially in the presence of fat, so tomato paste, tomato sauce, tomato ketchup and fresh tomatoes cooked in meals would be good sources of the nutrient. So, for women and men who cook, it would be good to add a non-traditional tomato dish to your menu weekly. Below are two examples of dishes using tomatoes which you can serve on Father's Day.

Recipes

Quick spaghetti sauce

1 can spaghetti sauce (preferably no meat and can be made from fresh tomatoes cooked slowly on the stove top, for those not in a hurry).

Fresh herbs of your choice (fresh marjoram would give a non-traditional flavour).

Freshly cooked spaghetti or other pasta.

Microwave or heat sauce on stove top and pour over cooked pasta then top with grated parmesan cheese and serve with a fresh green salad with a dash of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This tasty, quick and attractive meal can be ready in 15 minutes.

Grilled tomato wedges

Slice two to three large tomatoes, top with thin slices of cheese that melts easily, sprinkled with your favourite herb (basil adds a great flavour) and drizzle with olive oil. Grill and serve immediately. This can make a tasty appetiser.

For those not intrigued by the non-traditional recipes, try this instead. Sautée tomatoes with onion, herbs and asmall amount of oil and serve to your men as a side dish.

Serve a love apple dish this Father's Day!