The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a fruit from a species of the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Most tomatoes are of the edible species Solanum melongena, also known as the true tomato or summer tomato.
Although often found in the same colors as other species, tomatoes of other species (e.g. Solanum lycopersicum) are distinguished from “S. melongena” by their greater size, pendant flowers, and more toxic/polluting properties, since the latter is a nightshade.
Tomatoes are also used as a small subset of tomatoes are also called:
- It is known as the King of All Fruits.
- It is quite useful in making sauce.
Here are the list of health benefits of eating tomatos.
Its excellent for weight loss
Studies have shown that flavonoids found in tomatoes can prevent weight gain. Flavonoids have antioxidant properties which can help in preventing the development of a tumour.
It can help in controlling diabetes
Tomatos contain carotenoids which are good for controlling diabetes. They can lower blood glucose levels and help in managing diabetes.
It helps in controlling asthma
Tomatoes are excellent in controlling asthma as it contains a compound called terpenoids. They are known to decrease the symptoms of asthma.
It is great for children’s digestion
Tomatoes can be good for the digestion of children as they contain substances called ellagic acid and ellagic acid propionate that can improve digestion and strengthen the immune system.
It prevents common cold
Tomatoes contain a compound called lycopene which is known to have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It is good for keeping a cold at bay.
It is good for a healthy skin
Tomatoes contain lycopene and vitamin C which can help in increasing the skin’s glow.
It can help in reducing hypertension
The active compound in tomatoes called nitric oxide can help in reducing blood pressure. It also acts as a vasodilator and dilates the arteries which can help in reducing blood pressure.
It is good for your heart health
Tomatoes contain nitrates which can have a positive effect on the functioning of the heart. This means the intake of tomatoes can help in lowering the blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure.
It helps in treating prostate cancer
Researchers have found that the constituents in tomatoes can act as an inhibitor for prostate cancer.
It can help in preventing digestive diseases
Tomatoes contain a compound called lycopene which can be good for treating colorectal cancer. It can prevent colorectal cancer as it can lower the risk of developing colon and rectal cancer.
Other Health Benefits Include
Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene. Eating a serving of tomatoes is the second best source of vitamin A after carrots. It also contains vitamin C, K and potassium and 25 percent of the RDA of Vitamin B6. They also contain dietary fiber, folate, magnesium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B1, folate, pantothenic acid, manganese, niacin, phosphorus, potassium and phosphorus.
Vitamin A
The vitamin A present in tomatoes is important in immune function, vision, and skin development. The primary forms of vitamin A in tomato include retinol and retinoic acid. On a weekly basis, a regular tomato provides 220 percent of the recommended intake of vitamin A, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Vitamin C
Research has shown that vitamin C is an important antioxidant and scavenger and it may reduce some of the effects of aging. It also contains an anti-carcinogenic enzyme, ascorbic acid, which may help prevent the development of cancerous cells in the body. Vitamin C can also decrease inflammation and keeps cells flexible. Vitamin C helps reduce the number of bad LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and increases the amount of good HDL cholesterol in the body.
Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, which helps convert food into energy and lowers the risk of inflammation, colds and the common cold. Studies have also shown that high blood levels of vitamin C may help protect against certain types of cancer, including prostate, breast, lung, colon and liver cancers.
Iron
Tomatoes are one of the rich sources of iron. It has 9 grams of iron in 1 ounce of tomato, which provides 51 percent of the recommended intake of iron for the average person.
Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte and helps regulate the electrical system in the body and contributes to heart health. Tomatoes are rich in potassium. Consumption of tomatoes has been linked to a decrease in blood pressure.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is important for proper muscle development and nerve function, and it can also help lower blood glucose levels, keep the heart healthy, and prevent depression.
Niacin
Vitamin B3 helps the body convert fats and carbohydrates into energy. Tomatoes are high in this essential nutrient. It also contains essential fatty acids and potassium.
Folate
Vitamin B9 is essential for healthy skin, bone health, and heart health. A recent study suggests that the vitamin B9 found in tomatoes is especially effective in preventing some types of breast cancer.
Iodine
The majority of women don’t have enough iodine in their diets. In fact, half of all Americans have low iodine levels in their diets. The potassium and vitamin C in tomatoes can help the body convert iodine into thymine (a key nutrient in iodine metabolism).
You can also make some juice with Tomato’s if you feel like you don’t want to eat them. Here is a Healthy Tomato fruit Juice Recipe, half cup | Calories 67 kcal.
Tomato Juice Recipe
If you love tomato, then you are surely going to be tempted to buy Tomato juice, but unfortunately you are usually either disappointed or sick and tired of it. Tomato juice can be boring or do nothing for your health, and can take more than a decade to get the full effect out of it. But if you are on a permanent restriction and want to enjoy one of the most nutritious vegetables in the world, then tomato is your perfect source. You can get a mixture of organic and fresh tomato juice in supermarkets and online.
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Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe tomato
- Olive oil
- 1 lemon
Method
- Wash the tomato and slice it into half. Squeeze out the juice from the tomato. Peel the lemon.
- In a medium bowl, add some olive oil, and mash it with your hands until the oil separates from the pieces of lemon.
- Add the lemon juice and mashed tomato to a blender. Add salt to taste.
- Process it in your blender until the mixture becomes thick and cream like.
- Top with an extra lemon slice.
This healthy and raw tomato juice will help you to feel more energized and clear the toxins out of your body. As it is loaded with vitamins A, C, B6, and E.
Sirisha B