Tomato is a flowering plant of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), cultivated extensively for its edible fruits. Tomatoes are actually fruits but they are labelled as vegetables for their uses, tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and the phytochemical lycopene. The fruits are commonly eaten raw in salads, served as a cooked vegetable, used as an ingredient of various prepared dishes, and pickled. Additionally, a large percentage of the world’s tomato crop is used for processing; products include canned tomatoes, tomato juice, ketchup, puree, paste, and “sun-dried” tomatoes or dehydrated pulp.
Tomatoes are loaded with a substance called lycopene. It gives them their bright red color and helps protect them from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Let’s talk about the health benefits of tomato
- Potential Antioxidant Agent
Tomatoes contain a large amount of lycopene, which is a carotenoid and an antioxidant that can be highly effective in scavenging free radicals. This benefit can even be obtained from heat-processed tomato products like ketchup.
2. Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals
A single tomato provides about 40 percent of the daily vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that can prevent free radicals from damaging the body’s systems. It may also contain vitamin A and potassium, as well as iron. Potassium can play a vital role in maintaining nerve health, and iron is essential for maintaining normal blood circulation. Vitamin K can also be abundantly found in tomatoes, which is essential for blood clotting and controlling bleeding, is also in tomatoes.
3. May Protect the Heart
The lycopene in tomatoes can prevent serum lipid oxidation, thus exerting a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of tomatoes or tomato juice can decrease the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, as per the British Journal of Nutrition. These lipids can be the key culprits in cardiovascular diseases and may lead to the deposition of fats in the blood vessels.
4. May Aid Digestion
Tomatoes may keep the digestive system healthy by preventing gastrointestinal issues. Furthermore, they might have a large amount of fibre, which can bulk the bowels and reduce symptoms of constipation. A healthy amount of fibre can help stimulate peristaltic motion in the smooth digestive muscles and may release gastric and digestive juices. This can regulate your bowel movements, thereby improving your overall digestive health and helping protect against health issues.
5. May Lower Hypertension
Consuming tomatoes frequently can reduce the risk of developing hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. This can be partially due to the impressive levels of potassium found in tomatoes. Potassium is a vasodilator, meaning that it may reduce the tension in blood vessels and arteries, thereby increasing circulation and lowering the stress on the heart by reducing hypertension.
6. Help Protect the Eyes
Tomatoes have substances called lutein and zeaxanthin that may help protect your eyes from the blue light made by digital devices like smartphones and computers. They also may help keep your eyes from feeling tired and ease headaches from eye strain. And some research shows they may even make you less likely to have a more serious form of age-related macular degeneration.
Fresh and canned tomatoes can be good for the body but in different ways. Nutrients like lycopene may be easier for your body to take in and use from canned tomato products compared with fresh tomatoes. But the heat that’s used to process them can get rid of some vitamin C and other nutrients.
So, its best to consume your tomatoes raw and with lesser cooking time.
SIDE EFFECTS OF CONSUMING TOMATOES
Tomatoes generally do not pose major side effects to anyone. However, there are certain proteins in tomatoes that are similar to pollen. This means that people with pollen allergies can be more prone to suffering from an allergic reaction after eating tomatoes. The symptoms may include itching, edema, or a scratchy throat. So, be sure you don’t have an allergic reaction to pollens before you consume that raw tomato.
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