The book - The Red Bodyguard: The Amazing Health Promoting Properties Of The Tomato - written by UK pharmacist Ron Levine with Science Writer Gerard Cheshire - is in my opinion the best read in everything there is to know about the tomato.

They explain why and how tomatoes offer a much higher prospect of good or better health, especially those aged 40 and over, and why cooked or processed tomatoes are the best tomatoes of all. The risk of developing major chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, and prostate cancer in men, are among the most likely to be reduced by this incredible fruit.

The book is very informative, factual and historical at the same time. It's amazing how the author was able to collate decades of research on tomatoes and delivered them in a novel-like manner with tomato as the lead character. Undoubtedly, tomato is one super food that only has good health benefits.

• nutrient-rich
• devoid of any fat
• contain very low salt and sugar
• have an exceedingly low Glycaemic Index
• an excellent source of folate, vitamins C & E, flavonoids and carotenoids, all of which contribute to cancer protection
• easily the richest source of lycopene - a powerful antioxidant and the source of the tomato's colour in our diet

So...eat those tomatoes okay? (Better the ones without the salmonella!) You can get a copy of this book from Icon Books. Truly I enjoyed reading this book, I'm sure you will too.