TOMATO

Health Benefits of Tomato :

1. A large consumption of tomato can help improve skin texture and color.
2. Tomato is a good blood purifier.
3. Tomato helps in cases of congestion of the liver (protects the liver from cirrhosis) as well as for dissolving gallstones.
4. Tomato is a natural antiseptic therefore it can help protect against infection. Nicotinic acid in tomatoes can help to reduce blood cholesterol, thus helps prevent heart diseases.
5. Vitamin K in tomatoes helps to prevent hemorrhages.
6. Tomato contain lycopene (the red pigment in tomato), this pigment is a powerful antioxidant that can also fight cancer cells.

Nutritive Values of Tomato : Per 100 gm.

• Vitamin A : 1,000 I.U.
• Vitamin B : Thiamine .06 mg.;
• Vitamin C : 23 mg.
• Vitamin K : amount uncertain
• Calcium : 11 mg.
• Iron : .6 mg.
• Phosphorus : 27 mg.
• Potassium : 360 mg.
• Protein : 1.0 gm.
• Calories : 20

Some of the other health benefits of tomato are as follows:

• Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals: A single tomato can provide about 40% of daily Vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant which acts against cancer-causing free radicals. It also contains abundant Vitamin A and potassium as well as iron. Potassium plays a vital role in maintaining nerve health and iron is essential for maintaining normal blood health. Vitamin K which is essential in blood clotting and controls bleeding is abundant in tomatoes.

 

• Abundant Source of Antioxidants: The lycopene in tomato fights against cancer and has been shown to be particularly effective in fighting prostate cancer, cervical cancer, cancer of the stomach and rectum as well as pharynx and oesophageal cancers. This benefit can be obtained from even heat-processed tomato products, including ketchup. It also protects against breast cancer and cancer of mouth according to studies published by Harvard School of Public Health.

 

• Prevents Gallstones: Regular consumption of tomato can also dissolve gallstones.

 

• Reduces Cholesterol and Protects Heart: The lycopene in tomato prevents serum lipid oxidation, thus exerting protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. The regular consumption of tomato has proved to decrease the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. These lipids are the key culprits in cardiovascular diseases and lead to deposition of fats in the blood vessels.

 

• Counters the Effect of Cigarette Smoke: The two main components of tomatoes, coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid, fight against nitrosamines which are produced in the body and are the main carcinogens found in cigarette smoke.

 

• For Healthy Skin: Tomato aids in maintaining healthy teeth, bones, hair and skin. Topical application of tomato juice is known to cure severe sunburns. Daily consumption of tomato protects the skin against UV-induced erythema. Tomato ranks high in preparation of anti-aging products.

 

• Improves Vision: Vitamin A, present in tomato aids, aids in improving vision, preventing night-blindness and macular degeneration.

 

• Keeps Gut Healthy: Tomato keeps the digestive system healthy by preventing both constipation and diarrhoea. It also prevents jaundice and effectively removes toxins from the body.

 

• Lowers Hypertension: Daily consumption of tomatoes reduces the risk of developing hypertension.

 

• Alleviates Diabetes: A study conducted by Journal of the American Medical Association shows that daily consumption of tomatoes reduces the oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes.

 

• Prevents Urinary Tract Infections: Tomato intake also reduces the incidence of urinary tract infections as well as bladder cancer.

 
There have been various studies to prove the efficacy of tomato against many chronic diseases and cancers. The antioxidant properties of tomato can also be derived from processed foods which include tomato such as ketchup and puree. Daily consumption of tomato fulfils the daily requirement of vitamins and minerals and exerts protective effect on the body.