BENEFITS OF EATING TOMATOES

One of the health benefits of Tomatoes is that it is a healthful for the prostate. Tomatoes the second most widespread plant belonging to the botanical family Solanaceae.

One of the plants that can be cultivated anywhere throughout the world. Studies carried out at Harvard University in USA have shown that male folks who consume fresh tomato sauce or tomato juice on the regular are at lower risk of having anything to do with prostate cancer.

It took over 200 years for this plant to achieve a degree of acceptance in Europe especially in Germany, France and other parts of Northern Europe.

It was brought by Spaniards who took it from Mexico and Peru in the 16^th century. Something led to the belief that tomato was a poisonous plant (food). It is because of its resemblance to the belladonna red fruit.

Tomato Compositions

100 grams of raw edible portion of tomato have the following compositions (a percentage daily value for a 2,000 calorie diet):

Protein, Energy, Carbohydrates, Fibre, Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Niacin, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc, Total fat, Sodium and Saturated fat.

Percentage (%) Composition is as follows:

• Fibre = 1.1%
• Fat = 0.330%
• Protein = 0.850%
• Minerals = 0.420%
• Carbohydrates = 3.54%
• Water = 93.8%

  Tomato grows in all parts of the world but the best ones are grown in sunny and temperate climates. It is only in Peru and Ecuador that they grow wild.

PROPERTIES INDICATING HEALTH BENEFITS OF TOMATOES

Nutritionists see tomatoes as much more than as ingredients in sauce or in salads. According to healthguide.ng, the tomato has an enormous healing power over many disorders and also have preventive effects on some kinds of cancers, in particular, that of the prostate.

Therefore, it is recognized in all parts of the world as a medicinal food. One’s health should be his/her priority. The properties and indications of this health plant will help guide you on your every day journey regarding your healthy living.      

There’s a great deal of water the fresh tomatoes contain (94% of the weight). Primary source of carbohydrates formed are from the glucose and fructose (about 3.5% in all). Protein is about (0.85%) while fats is 0.330%.

The nutritional value and its therapeutic effects are found in its vitamin and mineral content and also substance which are non-nutritive.

In vitamins, Vitamin C is quite abundant (19.1mg/100g). Other vitamins such as B­­­­­­­₁, B­₂, and B­₆ are also present in significant amounts including niacin and folates. In minerals, potassium is most notable (222mg/100g), then followed by Iron, Magnesium and Phosphorus.

 

READ ALSO: Comfrey, A Good Medicinal Plant for the Skin

In essence, regarding the health benefits of tomatoes, the most noteworthy substances (non-nutritive) present in tomatoes play important roles with the body system and some of them are noted below.

• Vegetable fibre
• Lycopene
• Organic acids

Vegetable Fibre: There’s small amount of soluble fibre in the pulp of the tomatoes. This fibre helps to bring about their laxative and cholesterol-ridding effects.

Organic Acids contribute to their unique flavor. Acids concentration diminishes as the tomato gets ripened and there is an increase in its sugar content when this happens.

Lycopene: Lycopene brings about intervention in the working principle that controls cellular growth. Its absence causes disorderliness in cells production. It also gives tomato its red color, the carotenoid helps protect prostate cells from abnormal growth and oxidation. Regular intake in any way helps in the prevention of prostate cancer.

Lycopene is found in the prostate, the testicles and the suprarenal glands.

According to studies carried out at the University of Dusseldorf in Germany, the lycopene in stewed or fried tomatoes is not difficult to be absorbed as compared to those from raw tomatoes. This lycopene gives tomato its red color and helps when there’s degeneration of the prostate.

Its (tomato) depurant effects help neutralize and expel metabolic waste products. They are also good for the kidneys since they are diuretic.

Another health benefit of tomatoes is that, regular consumption is highly recommended because it cleanses the blood in case of excess uric acid or when there’s excess toxins in the body due to a diet like meat or diet rich in animal proteins.

How you can prepare and Use the Tomatoes        

1. It is best eaten raw because it is the healthful way to consume tomatoes and one of the ways most of its health benefits.
2. For those with delicate stomach, it is always difficult to digest fried tomatoes.
3. Tomato Sauce: Highly rich in vitamin C and mineral salts.
4. Tomato Juice: Also contains great deal of Vitamin C. The juice and the sauce may contain too much salt and some additives due to the way many industries produce them and this may trigger some allergic reactions.

Warning:

To consume it raw, allow the tomatoes get ripe because unripe tomatoes contain solanine which can cause headaches.

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