Easy Raw Pico de Gallo Salsa is primarily made from tomatoes, sporting high levels of antioxidants and containing the much-studied Lycopene – shown to reduce likelihood of prostate cancer in men.  Additionally, the jalapeno peppers provide a spicy kick of capsaicin which has been shown to regulate blood sugar and reduce LDL cholesterol.  The cilantro provides a cooling flavor as well as formidable anti-bacterial and yeast fighting compounds.

The tomato is the edible fruit/berry of the nightshade Solanum lycopersicum.  Tomatoes are high in antioxidants and particularly rich in Lycopene, a compound thought to be important in bone and prostate health.  Tomatoes are also high in Vitamin C, Biotin, Molybdenum, Vitamin K, Potassium, Copper, and Manganese.

Red onions are cultivars of the onion with purplish red skin.  Onions belong to the allium genus, it is the enzyme alliinase that makes you cry when you cut them.  They are high in Vitamin C, and also contain Vitamin A, the B-complex, calcium, magnesium, potassium and traces of other minerals.  Red onions are particularly high in the antioxidant quercitin – a powerful cancer fighting compound.  Studies have shown that quercitin consumed in red onions is absorbed and assimilated better than quercitin in pill form.

Green onions, also called scallions or spring onions, are one of various Allium species, all of which have hollow green leaves, but which lack a fully developed root bulb.  Because more of the leafy greens are present with green onions – they provide higher levels of dietary fiber than the more mature onion bulb.  Green onions contain allicin, which decreases blood vessel stiffness and reduces total blood pressure.  They also contain copper, iron, manganese, calcium, folates, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B Vitamins, and are one of the richest sources of Vitamin K, which protects the brain from neuronal damage associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

The jalapeño is a medium-sized chili pepper.  Jalapenos and chilies contain health benefiting alkaloid compound, capsaicin, which gives them a strong spicy taste. Capsaicin has been found to have anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, and anti-diabetic properties. It’s also been shown to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.

Coriander, also known as cilantro, Chinese parsley or dhania, is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae.  Cilantro is a powerful medicinal plant that is high in Vitamin K and contains many phytonutrients.  Cilantro has strong antibacterial properties and has been shown effective in fighting Salmonella and Candida Albicans.  Eating cilantro raw on a regular basis is a great way to cleanse your liver and digestive system and help maintain beneficial bacteria balance.

Lime is a term referring to a citrus fruit which is typically round, green and containins sour pulp.  The juice, pulp, and skin of the fruit are all used in cooking around the world.  Though limes have an acidic, tart taste – they are one of the strongest alkaline-forming foods.  Lime juice is a great way to help balance pH.  Limes are very high in Vitamin C and have a strong antioxidant and antibiotic effect.

Common salt is a mineral substance composed primarily of sodium chloride.  Salt provides sodium, which is absolutely essential for cell function and human life itself.  The average American diet contains far too much salt, making this ingredient a good one to avoid if you are uncertain how much you are getting in your food.  Over-intake of sodium is a cause of many health problems, including cardiovascular disease.