Health Benefits of Tomato

By : MaherBan | Comments Off on Health Benefits of Tomato | On : October 26, 2015 | Category : Health Benefits, Health Benefits of Vegetables, Vegetable News

Health Benefits of Tomato

Tomato is an edible, red berry type fruit of the Nightshade botanical family. Tomatoes are in fact a fruit, but their affinity for other savoury ingredients means that they are usually classed as a vegetable. Tomato is consumed in diverse ways including raw, as an ingredient in many dishes, sauces, salads and drinks. The skin, flesh and seeds can all be eaten, but the green leaves are toxic, so it should be discarded.

One medium tomato (approximately 123 grams) provides:

• 22 calories
• 0 grams of fat
• 5 grams of carbohydrate (including 1 gram of fiber and 3 grams of sugar)
• 1 gram of protein

Tomatoes are rich source of vitamins A, C and folic acid. It contain a wide array of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants including alpha-lipoic acid, lycopene, choline, folic acid, beta-carotene and lutein. Just one serving a day of tomato-based food can have an incredible beneficial effect on your health. Tomatoes are loaded with lots of health benefits.

Reduces the Risk of Prostate, Pancreatic & Breast Cancer

Tomatoes contain large amount of antioxidant Lycopene, which is very effective in lowering the risk of Lung, Stomach and Breast Cancer. Tomatoes are rich in natural fiber which maintains the health of Colon as it reduces the risk of Prostate Cancer which affects 1 in 8 men. Tomatoes can help to combat the formation of free radicals known to cause Cancer.

Helps to Maintain Blood Health

Research suggests that a single tomato can provide about 40% of the daily vitamin C requirement and also contains vitamin A, potassium and iron that is essential for maintaining normal blood health.

Reduces Heart Disease

The Lycopene in tomatoes can protect you against Cardiovascular Diseases. Fresh tomatoes and tomato extracts can help to lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. parental security Therefore, by including tomatoes in your regular balanced diet, you can effectively prevent Heart Attacks, Strokes as well as many other heart related problems.

Good for Eyes

The vitamin A found in tomato is very effective in improving your vision. In addition, tomatoes are one of the best foods to prevent the development of Night Blindness.

Prevent Constipation

Eating foods that are high in water content and fiber like tomatoes can help you to keep hydrated and maintain your bowel movements regular. It can keep your digestive system healthy as it prevents both Constipation and Diarrhoea. It also prevents Jaundice and effectively remove toxins from the body.

Good for Pregnant & Lactating Women

Adequate folic acid intake is essential for pregnant women to protect against Neural Tube Defects in infants. When breast feeding moms eat tomato products, it increases the concentration of Lycopene in their breast milk.

Strengthens Immune System

Daily consumption of tomato increases the proportion of vitamin C in the blood, which inhibits the level of stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. So drinking tomato juice can help to ease tension and stress.

Helps to Maintain Strong Bones

Tomatoes contain a considerable amount of calcium and Vitamin K. Both of these nutrients are essential in strengthening and performing minor repairs on the bones as well as the bone tissue.

Prevent Kidney and Gall Bladder Stones

Adding tomatoes without seeds to your diet has been proven in some studies to reduce the risk of Kidney and Gall Bladder Stones.

Helps to Maintain Healthy Skin & Hair

Rich tomato components fight against acne and prevent damage to skin cells. Tomatoes contain a high level of Lycopene, a substance that is used in some facial cleansers. Drinking tomato juice constantly improves the appearance and texture of hair. The vitamin A in tomatoes helps to keep your hair shiny and strong.

Helps to Repair Damages Caused by Smoking

Tomatoes contain coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid that work to protect the body from carcinogens that are produced from cigarette smoke.