The Hidden Benefits of Tomatoes

The Hidden Benefits of Tomatoes

Question:

Why do you eat tomatoes?

Answer:

Because it makes my soup look mild and taste great, it makes my curry thick e.t.c.

That is the reply most people give to us when we ask the above question. They have been eating tomatoes simply because they were brought up to do so.

Are you among them?

If you answer either 'Yes' or 'No' continue reading and you will see valid reasons why we should eat tomatoes.

Tomato is a species of solanaceae family which is originated in central America and western south America. It is available in variety of colours however, we see abundantly red colours tomato. 

Being a fruit, it is prepared and eaten like a vegetable. 

Nutritional composition of tomatoes

Calories 18

Water 95%

Protein 0.9 g

Fiber 1.2 g

Fat 0.2 g

Saturated 0.03 g

Carbs 3.9 g

Sugar 2.6 g

Omega-3 0 g

Omega-6 0.08 g

Here are 8 good reasons that make tomatoes worth eating

1. Tomatoes help prevent cancer

Although not all types of cancer but cancer such as breast, colorectal, prostate and stomach cancer. This is because of lutein, zeaxanthin and the high level of lycopene which is a natural antioxidant that have the ability to fight cancer causing cells.

2. Tomatoes are good for your heart

Tomatoes lowers blood pressure and also reduces cholesterol level because of its Vitamin B and potassium. It also prevent life threatening heart problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

3. Improve your vision

Macular degeneration can be prevented using lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin. The only carotenoids found in the rectina and lens of the eyes are lutein and zeaxanthin, these two carotenoids apart from filtering light also remove rays that can damage eye tissue and eye related diseases. No cause for alarm, lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin are found in tomatoes

4. Fight inflammation

Quercetin and kaempferol are two major flavonoids in tomato skin, that have the ability to counter inflammation.

5. Makes hair healthier

The appearance and texture of your hair can be improved by drinking tomato juice. Tomato juice revitalize hair growth and strengthen tufts of hair.

6. Increases capacity to burn fat

Carnitine is an amino acid that has the ability to increase the capacity for the body to burn fat by about 30%. Tomatoes with all stimulate the production of carnitine.

7. Fights constipation

When you eat foods that are high in fibre and water content you will have regular bowel movement and you will be well hydrated this fighting constipation. Tomatoes are high in fibre and water content. More than 80% of fibre are in form of cellulose, hemi cellulose. 

8. Tomatoes are good source of vitamin C, potassium and vitamin K 1. Thus, it s very useful for both heart and brain health. 

Note:- Tomato allergy is very rare but can cause allergy to some people. If you store tomato below temperature of 50°f , it will turn mushy so, better store it at room temperature.