BENEFITS OF TOMATOES
The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a fruit from the nightshade family native to South America. Despite botanically being a fruit, it’s generally eaten and prepared like a vegetable. They are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.The water content of tomatoes is around 95%. The other 5% consists mainly of carbohydrates and fiber.
Nutritional Content Of Tomatoes (100g)
- Calories - 18kcal
- Proteins - 0.9g
- Carbohydrates - 3.9g
- Fiber - 1.2g
- Fats - 0.2g
Protects Brain Health
- studies have suggested that the antioxidants in tomatoes, such as lycopene, may protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s.
Protects From Cell Damage
- 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. In much the same way, it can help protect your cells from damage. Tomatoes also have potassium, vitamins B and E, and other nutrients.
Build Immune System
- Lycopene is an antioxidant -- it fights molecules called free radicals that can damage your cells and affect your immune system. Because of that, foods high in lycopene, like tomatoes, may make you less likely to have lung, stomach, or prostate cancer.
Improves Blood Flow
- Getting more tomatoes into your diet may make you less likely to have a stroke, which is when blood flow gets cut off to a part of your brain. They may ease inflammation, boost your immune system, lower your cholesterol levels, and keep your blood from clotting. All those things may help prevent strokes.
Maintains Oral Health
- lycopene may help with the gum diseases gingivitis and periodontitis in the same way it may help prevent cancer -- by fighting free radicals. But eating lots of raw tomatoes can damage the enamel on your teeth -- thanks to the high amount of acid -- and brushing soon afterward can make that worse. It’s a good idea to wait at least 30 minutes before you brush.
- Currently, tomatoes are the third most popular fresh vegetable in the market. Attributing it to its nutritional value and versatility in its uses, it has always been in demand worldwide. They form part of the majority of people’s primary diet.
