Tomatoes are just starting to come in season, and what better time to indulge your senses with those red, juicy, slightly salty-sweet summer treats than now! If you’re a former smoker, you have an even better reason to eat more tomatoes. A study published in the European Respiratory Journal  reports that former smokers who ate more than two fresh tomatoes and more than three portions of fresh fruit a day – especially apples and bananas – saw a slower decline in lung function than those who got less fresh fruit and fresh vegetables.

 

 

The study conducted lung-function tests on 650 adult former smokers and non-smokers for 10 years. The fresh-fruit, fresh-vegetable diet slowed the decline in lung function and helped repair lung damage in former smokers. The same diet even benefited those who had never smoked, slowing the natural lung-aging process in those participants.

Doctors said the findings suggest that eating fresh fruit and fresh vegetables may help reduce chances of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Reference:  European Respiratory Journal; 2017; 50:1602286; Published Online

Local Organic Tomatoes Are Here!

Shop Martindale’s Produce Department and stock up on fresh, organic local tomatoes – they’re starting to come in! And then try this refreshing apple-tomato salsa. Even if you’re not a former smoker, you’ll love this salsa.

Fresh Apple-Tomato Salsa

This fresh salsa will wake up your taste buds. Serve it with your favorite chips.

Ingredients:

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

1 c. fresh tomatoes, diced

1/2 c. thinly sliced apples (such as Gala or Pinata)

2 tbsp. jicama, chopped

2 tsp. fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tsp. fresh basil, chopped

Salt to taste

1 tbsp. lime juice

1 1/2 tsp. white wine vinegar

Directions:

Combine garlic, tomatoes, apple and jicama in a medium-sized skillet and saute gently over medium-low heat for about 3 minutes to warm and meld the flavors. Add cilantro, basil and salt; drizzle lime juice and vinegar over top and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, keeping fruits warmed, but crisp. Drain some of the juices, if desired; refrigerate until chilled. Enjoy as a dip or side dish.