8 Nutritional Benefits of Tomatoes
As of today, some people are still confused about whether a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable. Strictly speaking, a tomato is considered a fruit because fruits are formed from the ovary in the base of the flower and contain the seeds of the plant.
The tomato is considered the most popular vegetable edible fruit. The tomato fruit is rich in lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid that is present in tomatoes, have beneficial health effects. Carotenoid lycopene is involved in cancer prevention, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, and limiting the mortality of other chronic diseases. This article will uncover 8 nutritional benefits of tomatoes.
Nutrients
Tomato fruit contains vitamins A, C, and K. It is also a good source of niacin, chromium, and potassium. Vitamin C from tomato fruit protects the body from free radicals, which destroy the healthy cells in the body. Niacin from tomato fruit helps to lower triglyceride, a fat present in our blood. Tomatoes are also rich in lycopene, a compound that gives tomatoes their color.
Different studies have shown that tomato and its tomato product consumption is associated with a reduced risk of; Ovarian cancer, especially in premenopausal women, digestive tract cancers (mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, colon and rectum) and cardiovascular disease.
8 Benefits of Tomatoes
The following are some of the benefits of consuming tomatoes.
1) Cancer protection
Tomato fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C and other antioxidants which help combat the formation of free radicals, which are known to cause cancer and heart diseases. Tomatoes provide potassium and the carotenoids alpha- and beta- carotene, lutein, and lycopene. These are known to decreased colorectal cancer risk.
2) Blood pressure
Tomato fruit and its product provide potassium, which promotes healthy blood pressure levels. Increasing potassium intake through tomato consumption is important because it helps in widening effect on the arteries.
3) Heart health
Tomatoes are rich in fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and choline, which support heart health. An increase in potassium intake through tomato consumption, along with a decrease in sodium intake, is the most important dietary change to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.
Tomato fruit and its product contain folate, which helps to balance homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid that results from protein breakdown. It is said to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Tomato intake also protects the muscles.
4) Diabetes
Fresh, whole tomatoes have low glycemic index (GI) score, which make sugar to be slowly released into the bloodstream and is unlikely to trigger a blood sugar spike.
Studies have shown that people with type 1 diabetes who consume high-fiber diets from tomatoes have lower blood glucose levels, while people with type 2 diabetes may have improved blood sugar, lipids, and insulin levels. Research has concluded that taking one cup of cherry tomatoes provides about 2 grams of fiber.
5) Constipation
Tomato consumption helps preventing both constipation and diarrhea, by keeping the digestive system healthy. Eating foods that are high in water content and fiber, such as tomatoes, help you in hydration and support normal bowel movements of your body. Tomatoes are often described as a laxative fruit.
6) Eye health
Tomatoes are also rich in lycopene, which helps protect the eyes from development of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Tomato fruit and its product help protect the eyes from light damage.
Tomatoes are also a rich source of lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene, which are powerful antioxidants that have been shown to protect the eyes against light-induced damage, the development of cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Studies have shown that the lycopene present in ocular tissues helps prevent light-induced damage to the retina and other areas of the eye. Tomato fruit and its product also are an excellent source of vitamin C, another vision protector.
7) Skin
Tomato fruit and its product help reduce excess sebum on the skin's surface, preventing oil build up, which further reduces the chances of blackheads and whiteheads, due to their astringent properties. Tomatoes have pore-shrinking properties, which help tighten the skin, which greatly reduce chances of acne and pimples.
8) Pregnancy
Tomato consumption helps pregnant women deal with the stress of pregnancy. Pregnant women also benefit the foetus in their womb. Vitamin C in tomatoes helps in better absorption of iron that pregnant women need.
Storing Tomatoes
Tomatoes should not be refrigerated, instead it should be stored above 50°F to avoid flavor and quality loss. Handle your tomatoes with care to avoid bruising. Tomato products should be stored at room temperature unless the container states otherwise.
In conclusion, this article has taken a look at 8 health benefits of eating tomatoes. Among others, the article has uncovered that, prevention of cancer, good eyesight and helping pregnant women, are some of the healthy benefits of consuming tomatoes.