Amazing Benefits of Tomatoes
Did you know why tomatoes are one of the world’s healthiest foods? The benefits of tomatoes to health are due to its lycopene pigment. Lycopene a flavonoid compound is an exceptional phytochemical compound abundant in tomatoes. It gives tomato the different shades of red color and makes it an outstanding vegetable. The high lycopene content of tomatoes makes them a high antioxidant rich. A little insight into the nutritional and therapeutic qualities of tomatoes is essential to visualize the benefits of tomatoes to health.
The world has more than 10,000 varieties of tomatoes. Tomatoes are known to belong to the nightshade family and scientifically called Solanum Lycopersicum. Although a native of South America its is a worldwide favorite vegetable for is amazing health benefits Despite technically being a fruit, the tomato is generally considered as a vegetable.
The French call the tomato “love apple” known as pomme d’amour in French. In Italy, a tomato is referred to as “pomodoro” meaning “golden apple,” perhaps referring to tomato varieties that are colored like apples.
Nutritional Benefits of tomatoes
Tomato is rich in nutrients. The nutritive value is due to high vitamin A and C that fulfills 20 and 28%, respectively of the RDA requirement from medium sized tomato of 120g. Tomato supplies plenty of potassium (85 RDA from 120g) and fiber (6% RDA from 120 g) giving it a healthy food. Sufficient supplies of protein and carbohydrate make a balanced food. And, no worries, the benefit of tomatoes is further heightened by no cholesterol and fat. In fat tomato is helps in lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
In addition, 100g fresh ripe tomatoes contain 10 mg Calcium, 11 mg Magnesium, 24 mg phosphorus, 5 mg sodium, 0.3 mg Iron, 0.17 mg Zinc and 0.15 mg Manganese. Besides, tomatoes contain vitamin B6, folate, niacin and vitamin E that is in balance with the human requirement. They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate and vitamin K. A 180 g helping of tomato has only 32 calories with very low GI food value according to the RDA. Moreover, they contain some essential minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, and other elements in trace amounts.
Major nutrients in Tomatoes
Therapeutic benefits
Tomato is rich in phytonutrients. Of the major phytonutrients, the major ones are lycopene, carotene-a, Beta-carotene, and lutein zeaxanthin. Tomatoes also contain flavonoids, naringenin, quercetin, caffeic acid, Hydroxycinnamic acids, Flavonols, glycosides, coumaric acid—all of which have contributed to the benefits of tomatoes to health.
Benefits of tomatoes to health are due to phytonutrients
Some major benefits of tomatoes to health are enumerated below:
1. Cardiovascular and heart disease
Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been connected to many health paybacks, including lower chances of heart disease and cancer. Lycopene, a flavonoid antioxidant, gives the red color variety of the tomato fruit and serves as an anti-oxidant. Together with carotenoids, lycopene protects cells and other structures in the human body and scavengers of oxygen-free radicals. Fresh tomato is rich in potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that aids in adjusting blood pressure caused by high levels of sodium.
The health benefits of tomatoes that outdo many other vegetables are due its reduced risk of causing heart disease. The second major benefit of tomato is in the reduction of fat from the bloodstream. Numerous phytonutrients contained in tomatoes are involved regulating the fat levels of the blood. . Besides the high fiber content, low calorie and low GI, it is recommended for control of cholesterol, decreased LDL and triglycerides.
2. Benefits of tomatoes in Prevention of Cancer
The anti-oxidant elements of tomato protect from breast, colon, lung and skin cancer. Research shows that tomato has many anti-inflammatory nutrients. The risk of cancer begins with low immunity and high inflammation. As it is a strong antioxidant supports anti-inflammation, the benefits of tomato in preventing cancer is amazing.
3. Benefits of tomatoes for the bones
The rich supply of antioxidants, minerals and nutrients connects tomatoes to the benefits of bones. Lycopene has been experimented on women and seen to retain the strength of bones.
4. Other Health Benefits of tomatoes
Tomatoes benefit in reducing the risk of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Tomatoes are linked to decreased fat deposits and, therefore, control obesity.
A glass of tomato juice a day is not only refreshing but gives you the strength and immunity you deserve. Tomatoes available all year round provide a major portion of green salads. It gives color, flavor and immense nutrients when garnished with your favorite savory dishes.
A glass of tomato juice is refreshing!
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