Health Benefits of Tomato

Tomatoes, which are actually a fruit and not a vegetable, contain a variety of vitamins and minerals that benefit health. Tomatoes are sources of vitamins A and C, folate, potassium, fibre and antioxidants. The red pigment in tomatoes is called lycopene, which gives them cancer-fighting properties. And the tomatoes have one more great quality, they don’t lose any of their nutritional value in the high heat, making canned tomatoes and tomato sauce just as beneficial as fresh tomatoes. Here are few more reasons to love tomatoes.

Lower your blood pressure: Tomatoes may keep your blood pressure in check. In just eight weeks, people with mild hypertension with a daily "dose" of tomatoes may see their systolic blood drop a 10 points on average, and their diastolic blood pressures drop by 4 points.

Control cholesterol: Four weeks of daily tomato intake can increase good HDL cholesterol by 15 per cent.

Fight Cancer: Harvard researchers have discovered that men who consumed 10 servings of tomatoes a week can cut the risk of developing prostate cancer by 45 percent. Italian researchers have found 7 servings of raw tomatoes a week lower the risk of developing rectal colon or stomach cancers by 60 percent. Recent Studies also show that lycopene is a powerful inhibitor of lung, breast, and endometrial cancer cells.

Reduction in Heart Disease Risk: Tomatoes are a very good source of potassium and a good source of niacin, vitamin B6, and folate. All of these nutrients together make tomatoes a truly heart-healthy food.

Fight aging: Tomatoes are rich in two spectacular anti aging free-radicals : lycopene and beta carotene. In some cells, these antioxidants reduce free-radical damage to DNA. Both youth-protecting nutrients are enhanced when tomatoes are heated or cooked.

Help Fiber Intake and weight Loss: In addition, tomatoes are a very good source of fiber and low in calories, making them diet friendly. Hundred grams of edible portion of tomato contains only 20 kcal.

Fight Infections: When men who are deficient in carotenoids drink tomato juice regularly, they increase their ability to fend off bacteria and viruses in few weeks. Vitamin C helps in fighting bacterial infections. It may also protect against declining mental ability.

Reduce Blood-Clotting Tendencies: Tomato Juices May Reduce Blood-Clotting Tendencies

Build Bones: Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin K. The 17.8% of the daily value for vitamin K that is found in one cup of raw tomato.

Healthy Skin, hair and vision: Vitamin A - An essential vitamin important in maintaining normal cellular growth. It aids in the development of healthy skin, hair and mucous membranes. It also aids vision, development of bones and teeth and reproduction. Tomatoes contain beta-carotene, a phytochemical that the body converts into vitamin A after it is consumed. A large consumption of tomato can help improve skin texture and color.

Tomatoes loaded with a variety of vital nutrients. They taste good and very versatile ingredient for cooking. Increasing your intake of tomatoes is an excellent step towards your overall health.