Sue Bedford (MSc Nutritional Therapy)
Got some squishy tomatoes that need using up- don’t waste them why not make this nutritious and delicious homemade ragu instead? Tomatoes are packed full of the fertility friendly nutrients vitamins A, C, and folate, along with lycopene and iron. Tomatoes are one of the main food sources of lycopene for many people(carrots, watermelon and apricots contain a good amount too).
Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants, and provide red, yellow and orange colour to fruit and vegetables. They have an important role in that they protect the cells of the body from damage caused by free radicals. In relation to fertility, there have been some studies into the beneficial effects of lycopene on male fertility. Research has been carried out to examine the effect of the antioxidants in lycopene in helping to protect developing sperm from free radical damage and possible DNA damage. Lycopene has been shown to help healthy sperm motility and morphology and has also been highlighted re its anti-adhesive properties in relation to endometriosis- further research is required.
Tomato ragu
Ingredients
1 onion
1 clove garlic
1x15ml spoon oil
800g of fresh or canned chopped tomatoes
handful of fresh basil
black pepper
Method
1. Peel and chop the onion and peel and crush the garlic.
2. Fry the onion and garlic in the oil for 5 minutes, until soft.
3. Add the tomatoes and tear in the basil leaves. Add a few twists of black pepper, then allow
to simmer gently for 30 minutes (longer if possible).
Top ideas
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