They contain the highest level of lycopene among all fruits and vegetables; lycopene is an antioxidant, which helps the body to get rid of free radicals that are harmful to it. Consumption of tomatoes helps in preventing various forms of cancers.
Reduces cholesterol level and thus reduces blood pressure due to the presence of vitamin B and potassium. tomatoes keeps the hair shiny and strong, and it also helps improve Eye vision. Chromium in tomatoes helps diabetic patients to keep the blood sugar level under control.
- Energy: 17.69
- Calories (per 100 g)
- Vitamin c: 14 mg (per 100 g)
- Protein: 900 mg (per 100 g)
- Scientific name: Solanum lycopersicum
- Family: Solanaceae
Tomatoes are packed with nutrients.
One cup of chopped or sliced raw tomatoes contains:
- 32 calories (kcal)
- 170.14 g of water
- 1.58 g of protein
- 2.2 g of fiber
- 5.8 g of carbohydrate
- 0 g cholesterol
Tomato A rich Source of vitamin and mineral content including:
- 18 mg of calcium
- 427 mg of potassium
- 43 mg of phosphorus
- 24.7 mg of vitamin C
- 1499 international units (IU) of vitamin A
Tomatoes contain a wide array of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, including:
- alpha-lipoic acid
- lycopene
- choline
- folic acid
- beta-carotene
- lutein
Health benefits of Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. Tomatoes is also a Good source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.
- Tomato benefits for skin– Slightly acidic in nature, tomatoes contain high contents of potassium and vitamin C; this transforms the dullest of skins and restores glow to the skin.
- Tomatoes and Heart Health – Lycopene chemical which gives its red colour. Lycopene is powerful antioxidant, a type of substance that helps keep cells from becoming damaged. Some research shows that lycopene may lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, and keep blood from clotting, which lowers stroke risk
- Some research has found that tomatoes may help protect men from prostate cancer. The juicy red fruit can help guard the DNA in your cells from damage that can lead to cancer. Tomatoes contain high concentration of an effective antioxidant called lycopene
- Tomatoes control blood pressure – The researchers suggest that it may be the tomato’s antioxidants, including lycopene, beta carotene and vitamin E, that cause the benefits. Tomatoes is also good source of Potassium It helps to improve blood pressure as well.
Health benefits of Tomatoes –
- Weight Loss –
Tomatoes are definitely among our favourite fat-fighting foods. Tomatoes have been found to reduce inflammation and water retention in the body, as well as reversing leptin resistance. Leptin is a type of protein which helps to regulate metabolic rate and appetite, so our bodies rely on it to shed those extra pounds.
- Diabetes –
One study in 2011 found that 200 grams of raw tomato (or about 1.5 medium tomatoes) each day reduced blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers concluded tomato consumption might help reduce cardiovascular risk that’s associated with type 2 diabetes
- Improve Vision-
Research shows that the lycopene present in ocular tissues helps prevent light-induced damage to the retina and other areas of the eye. Tomatoes are also an excellent source of vitamin C, another vision protector.
- Strengthen bones–
Tomatoes contain vitamin K and calcium in high amounts. Both the nutrients help repair and strengthen bones and improve bone mass as well. Good for diabetics: Being a rich source of chromium, tomatoes help maintain blood sugar levels while providing nutrition to the body.