Features and benefits of tomato

Posted on February 21, 2014 by john in Benefits of fruit

Among the health benefits of tomatoes improving sight, good intestinal health, lower blood pressure, helps diabetes and improvements in skin problems and urinary tract infections are included.

The tomato is considered both a fruit and a vegetable, and is an integral part of the kitchen throughout the world, especially in the mediterranean region. Daily consumption of tomato provides a great boost to health apart from improving the taste of food in the kitchen. Tomato provides a large number of antioxidants have proven effective to combat various forms of cancer. On top of this is a rich source of vitamins and minerals and exerts a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. It also improves eye health and prevents hypertension and urinary tract infections.

The health benefits of tomatoes have been known to mankind for centuries. Some of its benefits are:

abundant source of antioxidants : tomato contains plenty of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant against the problems of cancer-causing free radicals. This benefit is available even processed tomato products with heat, including ketchup.

Reduces cholesterol and protects the heart : the lycopene in tomato prevents serum lipid oxidation, thus exerting a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of tomato has proved to decrease the levels of ldl cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. These lipids are the main culprits of cardiovascular disease and leading to the deposition of fat in the blood vessels.

Source of vitamins and minerals : a tomato can provide about 40 % of the daily requirement of vitamin c. Vitamin c is a natural antioxidant that acts against cancer -causing free radicals. It also contains abundant vitamin a and potassium, and iron. Potassium plays a vital role in maintaining nerve health and iron is essential for maintaining the health of the blood. Vitamin k, which is essential for blood clotting and controls bleeding is abundant in tomatoes.
Counteracts the effect of snuff : the two main components of tomatoes, coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid, are essential in the fight against nitrosamines produced in the body by smoking and are the main carcinogens in cigarette smoke.

Improves vision : vitamin a, found in tomatoes helps improve vision, preventing night blindness and macular degeneration.

Maintains healthy gut : tomato keeps the digestive system healthy and prevents against constipation and diarrhea. It also prevents jaundice and effectively removes toxins from the body.

Reduce hypertension : daily consumption of tomatoes reduces the risk of developing hypertension.

Alleviates diabetes: a study by the journal of american medical association shows that daily consumption of tomatoes reduces the oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes.

For healthy skin : tomato aids in maintaining healthy teeth, bones, hair and skin. Topical application of tomato juice is used to cure burns. Daily consumption of tomato protects the skin against uv rays. Tomato ranks high in the preparation of anti aging products instead.

Preventing urinary tract infections : tomato intake also reduces the incidence of urinary tract infections and bladder cancer.

Prevents gallstones : regular consumption of tomato also helps dissolve gallstones.

The antioxidant properties of tomato and its health benefits can also take advantage of the accused as ketchup and puree foods. Daily consumption of tomato fulfills the daily requirement of vitamins and minerals and exerts a protective effect on the body.