As mentioned in the 2nd book (Live young TWO times longer), by Dr Simard, tomatines and tomatidines have been known for a long time for their beneficial effects on cancer and inflammation. More recently, they have also been the subject of studies on osteoporosis and sarcopenia (muscle loss as we age). For osteoporosis, they are considered a promising potential drug. For sarcopenia, as a natural inhibitor of muscle breakdown as we age, improving the health of the mitochondria. It goes without saying that these are particularly interesting molecules for retaining capabilities as we age.

Tomatoes are affordable fruits and pleasantly easy to prepare. They are a good source not just of tomatidine and tomadine, but also of lycopene which reduces the risk of prostate cancer. To make you appreciate this fruit, which originates from South America, we would like to offer you a delicious salad full of freshness.

Ingredients (preferably Canadian):

– 2 English cucumbers or 7 to 8 small Lebanese cucumbers, diced medium

– 5 red tomatoes, diced medium

– 1 cup chopped fresh parsley

– 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint

– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

– 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

– Salt and pepper to taste

 

Steps:

  1. In a small mixing bowl, pour in the olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Using a whisk, stir vigorously until the dressing froths a little. Add the parsley, chopped mint, salt and pepper. Taste and add salt & pepper to taste. However, do not salt too much, as this will disgorge your vegetables leaving you with a soggy salad.
  2. In a larger mixing bowl, put your diced cucumbers and tomatoes, then pour the vinaigrette over them. You just need to mix it gently with two large salad spoons. If you want, we suggest adding chickpeas or cooked lentils to your salad. These will provide proteins and vitamins to your delicacy.
  3. Serve your salad in small bowls or even beautiful plates. This dish could very well accompany any fish or grilled meat. Invite guests, and share your creation during a barbecue!

 

 

References:

  • Fang EF, Waltz TB, Kassahun H, et al. 2017. Tomatidine enhances lifespan and healthspan in C. elegans through mitophagy induction via the SKN-1/Nrf2 pathway. Sci Rep. 2017;7:46208. Published 2017 Apr 11.
  • Waltz TB, Fivenson EM, Morevati M, et al. 2018. Sarcopenia, Aging and Prospective Interventional Strategies. Curr Med Chem. 2018;25(40):5588‐5596.
  • Yu T, Wu Q, You X, et al. 2020. Tomatidine Alleviates Osteoporosis by Downregulation of p53. Med Sci Monit. 2020;26:e923996. Published 2020 Apr 17.
  • Chaudhary P, Sharma A, Singh B, Nagpal AK. 2018. Bioactivities of phytochemicals present in tomato. J Food Sci Technol. 2018;55(8):2833‐2849.