What is it about tomatoes that we love so much? They are a sign that warmer weather is here. A good summer tomato makes it worth enduring the winter.

But, that is not the only thing that makes a tomato desired by all. It is a super fruit that contains antioxidants. You know what those are. They are substances that combat free radical damage in the body. Free radicals are a natural by-product of cellular respiration. They bombard the organs and can lead to things like cancer, premature aging and heart disease.

The antioxidant substances in tomatoes are called carotenoids. They help to maintain a healthy heart and reduce cholesterol levels. One of the main carotenoids is lycopene. Tomatoes are full of it as well as vitamin C and A. Lycopene also helps to reduce the incidence of cancer, particularly prostate cancer.

Tomatoes are delicious when eaten fresh and sliced up with other vegetables. You will definitely get a full dose of lycopene. But, you know what’s better? It seems that the tomato releases even more of it when it is cooked.

Using fresh tomatoes in soups, stews and sauces also helps other nutrients in your food dishes be absorbed more readily into the body. To get the best nutrition from your dishes, combine tomatoes with heart-healthy foods like fish, greens, olive oil, avocados, lean meat and greens.

Tomato Recipes

Now that you know what tomatoes can do for you, it’s time to find out about some tasty recipes.

* Chicken salad with tomatoes – This is not the mayonnaise chicken salad. Here, you place grilled chicken on a bed of baby spinach or mixed greens. Add some sliced cherry or grape tomatoes along with Italian seasoning, feta cheese and your favorite salad dressing.

* Tomato soup – Forget the can and go for natural. Take your best and juiciest summer tomatoes and grind them up in a blender. Warm up in a saucepan and add low-fat milk to thicken as you stir, or some sour cream.

* Kebabs – Take a few sliced tomatoes and arrange them with pieces of shrimp, chicken or beef along with other vegetables on metal skewers. Add a bit of olive oil to the outside of the vegetables for even cooking.

* Roasted Tomatoes – You can do so much with these. They can be chopped to make chutney to go with fish or pork. Or use them to create your own pasta sauce.

You can do just about anything with tomatoes. Enjoy them fresh on a salad or stuffed with your favorite mayonnaise-based salad. Marinade a few slices in vinegar and olive oil for a tasty snack. Roast and blend them for a delicious base for sauces. No matter how you prepare them you are getting a powerful antioxidant benefit.

As we age, so does our skin. It is constantly bombarded by free radicals just like the internal organs of our body. Free radicals come from environmental sources (pollution, the sun), smoking, stress, food and other places. For the skin, free radical damage means that skin loses its elasticity.

Elasticity is its ability to stay tight and toned. Special fibers in the second layer of skin, the dermis, form a lattice network that strengthens skin. These are two proteins called collagen and elastin. Weaknesses in that network can lead to wrinkles and other conditions like age spots.

Now, no one wants to develop wrinkles. And, we certainly don’t want to look old before our time. Some people will inherit the type of skin that stays tight as they age and others will show signs of wrinkling. It’s the luck of the draw, but now there is fraxel laser therapy to even the odds.

What lasers can do

Lasers are made up of different wavelengths of light that can penetrate the surface of the skin. With fraxel laser therapy, areas of the skin are treated with many columns of laser light. The laser penetrates to the dermal layer of the skin where the protein fibers are forming collagen.

Each laser light makes a tiny wound in the skin. When the skin is wounded, cells rush to the sight of the wound to speed healing. In the event of dermal injury, this means that a new network of collagen and elastin is formed. The result is a tighter look to your skin just as you once had when you were younger.

Fraxel laser therapy is not just for wrinkles. It can be used for other skin conditions. The laser is set to penetrate the skin at the level of the problem like age spots or even acne. Surface problems are targeted and removed, leaving a clearer layer of skin.

Depending on your condition, you may need one treatment or several to return your skin to a smooth and blemish-free look. Fraxel procedures are performed in a doctor’s office by trained professionals. It rejuvenates the skin by speeding healing. Most patients are able to receive their treatments without further wound care.

Fraxel has been deemed safe for use by men and women of all ages. Most skin colors respond well to the treatment, but ask to be sure. Traditionally, ethnic groups with more melanin in their skin have experienced scarring with lasers. This procedure is different and offers a safer approach.

If you are interested in fraxel laser therapy, talk to your skin care professional. They can perform a skin evaluation and explain the possibilities of fraxel being right for you.

You are what you eat. Even when you are young, eating poorly will eventually catch up with you. Eating a natural diet not only helps your body by boosting your immune system, it also keeps the body operating in good condition on the inside.

One cancer that is a big concern these days is breast cancer. Besides having yearly mammograms when you turn 40, women can also make nutritional changes to lower their risk.

Fruits and Vegetables

One way to do that is to eat more fruits and vegetables. These foods contain complex carbohydrates as well as other substances like antioxidants. Antioxidants fight free radical damage in the body. Free radicals are by-products of cellular metabolism. They also come from the environment, second-hand smoke, foods and stress.

These particles bombard the organs and cause the signs of aging and the breakdown of body systems that can lead to diseases like cancer. Here are some types of fruits and vegetables that are particularly good for fighting cancer:

Cruciferous veggies – These are your broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. They contain sulfur compounds that help fight cancer.

Alliums – This is a type of vegetable family that includes onions, garlic and leeks. They may make you cry when you cut them, but they are good for you. Garlic helps lower cholesterol. All of them contain antimicrobial properties. In addition, they can slow or retard cancer growth.

Berries – Raspberries, strawberries and blueberries are just a few of these fruits that contain lots of antioxidant substances. Antioxidants can increase your resistance to disease as they help your body fight back. Consume as many antioxidants as you can naturally. These and other fruits contain phenols, which help boost the immune system.

Soy

Soy is a form of plant protein. When it comes to protein, we often get the bulk of it from animal sources. The disadvantage of this is that animal meat also contains a lot of fat. It is the fats that we don’t need. Soy provides all the benefits of lean protein without that added fat.

Legumes and Nuts

This group includes beans, lentils and peanuts. Legumes are rich in protein and low in fat. Beans are also high in fiber which flushes fat out of your system as it passes. Fiber also prevents constipation and helps your digestive system to function properly. Nuts contain protein and fat. Healthy fats and oils in nuts are crucial for your body’s cells.

While no one can predict cancer in any one person, you can reduce your risk significantly with a healthy diet.

What is the secret to a long and healthy life?  It is in the food that we eat.  As you well know, all foods are not created equal.  Choosing and eating the right foods may help increase your life expectancy as well as the quality of your life.

Here are ten of the top power packed foods designed to give you energy, vitality and all around good health!

1. Beans – If they give you gas, take precautions before you eat them.  Soaking them first can help.  Beans of all kinds (kidney, navy, lentils, chickpeas, Northern) are high in protein.  This is plant protein so it contains very little fat, carbs and calories.  If fiber is a problem in your diet, eating a healthy portion of beans each day can keep your digestive system healthy.

2. Oatmeal – Oatmeal is coming into popularity as a food that lowers blood cholesterol.  You can make it yourself with rolled oats or eat the instant kind if you are in a hurry.  Oatmeal is a filling grain that also provides much needed fiber to keep hunger at bay and your blood sugar constant.

3. Fruits – Fruits are filled with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and A.  Antioxidants fight free radical damage in the body and reduce the risk of cancer.  Berries such as blueberries and grapes have the highest amount of antioxidants.  But choose an array of fruits in a wide variety of colors for maximum health.  The antioxidants in fruit boost the immune system to fight the effects of aging in the body.

4. Allium foods – This class of foods includes garlic, onions, leeks and shallots.  Garlic is known for lowering cholesterol.  Allium vegetables healp guard the body against the risk of cancer and many other ailments.  They also help lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots.  Eating these power packed vegetables in their natural state especially garlic increases their health benefits.

5. Salmon – Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of heart disease and other conditions like atherosclerosis.  Wild salmon is a fatty fish but it contains good fats that has been proven to improve health in children and adults.  Salmon is rich in protein which is of great use after an exercise session to build muscle tissue.

6. Flax seed – Like salmon it contains omega-3 fatty acids.  These seeds also contain omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.  You get a lot of power to fight high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes with this seed.  Ground flax seed can be added to fruit smoothies, sprinkled in yogurt, eaten with cereal or added to pancake mix to name a few.

7. Peppers – Peppers are colorful.  They contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and Vitamin C.  Peppers range from mild and sweet to so hot you’ll be calling the fire department.  All peppers contain a substance called capsaicin.  Capsaicin has the properties of an anti-inflammatory, a pain reliever, lowers cancer risk and heart disease.  They are good in salads, salsa and all sorts of dishes.

8. Nuts and seeds – Nuts are high in fat but those fats are the good kind.  Peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and pistachios are all providers of good fats and protein.  Crush them into a fine powder and use as a coating instead of higher carb bread crumbs.  Nuts help to lower cholesterol.  Eat them right out of the shell with no additives.

9. Açai – This berry has been in the news lately.  It is rich in antioxidants and increases energy.  You can get more done and look better while doing it.  You can get Acai juice and supplements in your health food store.

10. Yogurt – The fat free variety is good for you.  Yogurt contains calcium, Vitamin B, and protein.  If you don’t drink milk, yogurt is an alternative to get your calcium in to build strong bones and teeth.  Live yogurt also contains friendly bacteria to help promote a healthy digestive system.

Building a better healthier body begins with what you eat.  Try these super foods to get started on the right foot.