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Sun-Dried Tomato White Bean Spread

July 26, 2016

The main ingredient of the homemade tomato bean spread is sun-dried tomato. These specially treated tomatoes are not only contributing to the overall taste of the spread, but they also bring a myriad of health benefits. To start with, a sun-dried tomato can help you avoid anemia. ½ cup of this vegetable contains about 2.5 mg of iron, which is about 15% of the daily recommended value. Lack of iron leads to anemia, which results in a constant feeling of muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, and regular infections. At the same time, sun-dried tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and this vitamin helps the body absorb almost all the iron content found in tomatoes.

Furthermore, sun-dried tomatoes have the ability to reduce high blood pressure and help people dealing with hypertension. Just a half a cup of these tomatoes comes with the same nutritional value as one cup of cooked or raw veggies. They are a great source of potassium and they represent a great addition to any low-sodium diet which people usually use to lower blood pressure. There are a few clinical trials that have shown sun-dried tomatoes’ ability to lower heart disease risk. If you consume sun-dried tomatoes on a regular basis you can lower the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and the chances of witnessing the emergence of heart disease. One serving of these tomatoes (two ounces) comes with 3 g of dietary fiber (about 15% of the daily recommended intake).

Sun-Dried Tomato Secrets: Making Your Own…

Even though you can buy sun-dried tomatoes, you can also make them at home. Just take the necessary amount of tomatoes, slice them into small pieces and place them in an area that is fully exposed to sunlight. You must dry them on a hot day – the temperature must be over 32 C/90 F and humidity level below 60%. Place them on a clean screen for the best results. The drying process can last from one day to 15 days. You can also dry them in an oven.

The other important ingredient in this spread is fresh basil. According to many sources, fresh basil has the ability to remove kidney stones, improve oral health, solve stomach issues, relieve headaches and migraine, enhance vision and improve the immune system. The best part is that you can grow basil indoors. You will need special lighting, fertilizers, and an adequate location to place the basil. This activity requires some work, but it is definitely worth it.

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