'Tangerine' orange tomato has higher levels of the anti-oxidant lycopene than red tomatoes.
We've all seen the studies saying red tomatoes contain high amounts of the anti-oxidant lycopene. Lycopene has been shown to protect cells and essential fatty acids from breaking down in the body and contributes to better health. While tomatoes, specifically processed red tomatoes, were originally thought to contain the highest amounts of lycopene, researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service in Davis, California have now found that orange is a good color for health, too.
Researchers asked 21 men and women not to eat any tomato products for a one month period. They then fed the participants chili made either with a common red tomato variety or with 'Tangerine' orange tomatoes for one week and then tested their blood afterward. They found those who ate the chili made with 'Tangerine' orange tomatoes had higher lycopene levels in their blood. They concluded that 'Tangerine' is a better source of lycopene than red tomatoes. It seems the lycopene in the orange colored fruits is better absorbed in the body.
So mix up your colored tomatoes this summer in the garden, growing some orange ones like 'Tangerine' to keep your body at optimum health.
Charlie Nardozzi is an award winning, nationally recognized garden writer, speaker, radio, and television personality. He has worked for more than 30 years bringing expert gardening information to home gardeners through radio, television, talks, tours, on-line, and the printed page. Charlie delights in making gardening information simple, easy, fun and accessible to everyone. He's the author of 6 books, has three radio shows in New England and a TV show. He leads Garden Tours around the world and consults with organizations and companies about gardening programs. See more about him at Gardening With Charlie.
Victory Seed Company has all the seeds you want for your best garden.
For 25 years, the family-owned Victory Seed Company has provided the highest quality vegetable, herb and flower seeds to families across the country. We are passionate about providing you the best seeds available that give excellent germination, robust plants, and the harvest you want. With a catalog of over a thousand varieties, we have everything, and our prices are the kinds that we'd want to pay. We have hundreds of yesterday's heirloom vegetables, as well as today's award winning hybrid selections. Get to know us by visiting our website and browsing through our online vegetable seed catalog.
