Natural Wonders: Tomato

By mDhil Editorial Team, mDhil

They are sweet, juicy, delicious, and considered to be one of world’s healthiest foods! Umm, wondering what we are talking about? Yes, you are right, we are talking about tomatoes!

They are sweet, juicy, delicious, and considered to be one of world’s healthiest foods! Umm, wondering what we are talking about? Yes, you are right, we are talking about tomatoes!

Did you know that tomatoes are also called ‘love apples’? It was a name that the French adoringly gave this lovely fruit in the 16th century!

Well, what’s not to adore about tomatoes - they are fat-free, low in calories and packed with vitamins C. However, there’s more to these tomatoes. Today, let’s take a look at why this fruit is considered so amazingly healthy.

Health benefits of tomatoes

Tomatoes are loaded with vitamin A, C, K, folate and potassium. They also provide magnesium, copper, vitamin B6 and thiamin. As tomatoes are high in water content, they are quite filling and protect you against heart disease, strokes, blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Tomatoes are great for your skin. The beta-carotene found in tomatoes protect your skin from sun damage. Also, lycopene, the anti-oxidant which gives tomato its colour stops the occurrence of fine lines and wrinkles.

This fruit/vegetable is also good for your bones. The vitamin K and calcium in tomatoes are excellent for strengthening and repairing your bones. And so, eating tomatoes is a great way to keep osteoporosis at bay!

Tomatoes are cancer fighters, thanks to the lycopene in it! It helps reduce the risk of cancers such as throat, esophagus, stomach, colon, prostate and ovarian cancer.

Tomatoes also keep your blood sugar under control as it is an excellent source of chromium. It is the chromium that helps regulate the blood sugar level.

Did you know that this humble fruit helps a great deal in improving your vision? Studies have shown that making tomatoes a part of your daily diet can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, which is an irreversible eye condition.

Tomatoes can give your hair a shine as they are packed with Vitamin A which help make your hair really strong. However, let’s warn you that tomatoes might not be of great help if your hair is thinning. It only helps in strengthening your hair and make it look shinier.

Research has shown that eating tomatoes without seeds can help prevent kidney stones and gallstones.

Tomatoes are full of bioflavonoids and carotenoids, which are in fact anti-inflammatory agents. So, if you are suffering from arthritis or back pain, make sure you eat tomatoes every day as they can help in reducing mild or moderate chronic pain.

Last but not the least, if you are planning to lose weight, just add tomatoes to your bag of balanced diet and workout plan! Tomatoes have a lot of water and fiber, which means you feel full for a long time. It can be a snack by itself, or you can add it to your sandwiches and salads.

Tomatoes are so versatile, that you can add them to your curries, sandwiches, soup, omelets and stews. You can also make tomato juice or make a vegetable juice with tomatoes in it – a nutritious, filling mid-day snack! And, don’t forget the ever-present tomato sauce on your table which goes with just about any dish from chapatis to bread to pasta! So, go tomatoes and get healthy!

 

Source: Natural Wonders: Tomato