OPINION: Tomato sauce – a healthy option

Tomato sauce contains a subtle sweetness complemented by a slightly bitter and acidic taste. The fruit itself is loaded with a variety of vital nutrients.

It is rich in vitamins A, C and K. Your body needs vitamin A for maintaining good eye vision and for building connective tissues under the skin. Vitamin C keeps your teeth and gums healthy, encourages healing, and assists in metabolising fats, and absorbing other vitamins and minerals.

The potassium and manganese in tomatoes builds strong bones and prevents muscle cramps. Tomatoes also contain as much as six grams of fibre.

It may come as a surprise to learn that tomatoes assist in fighting fat. They stimulate our weight-loss hormones, such as leptin. The hormone acts as the body’s natural weight-control mechanism and plays an important role in appetite-control and metabolism. It also contains lycopene, a chemical that plays a role in reducing bad cholesterol. While doing so it boosts energy, stabilises blood sugar levels and detoxifies the body, making weight loss easier.

A simple recipe for a healthy tomato sauce:

Ingredients:

1. onion

2. garlic

3. tomatoes (fresh or tinned)

4. salt and pepper

5. tomato purée

6. oregano

7. basil

Method:

1. Fry some onion and garlic.

2. Add tomatoes, tomato purée, oregano and basil.

3. Season to taste.

4. Cook on a gentle heat until the sauce is a deep red and sticks to the back of the spoon.

The sauce can be stored for several days, and often it tastes better the following day.

Claire Brown is a natural remedy expert based in Northcliff.