Diagnosis of Diabetes

We have seen the types and symptoms of diabetes in the previous post. Now let us see diagnoses of diabetes. If you find any symptoms of diabetes as mentioned in the previous post about the Types and Symptoms of diabetes , immediately you have to fix an appointment with your doctor for diagnoses. He will advise you to undergo some tests to find out whether you are affected by diabetes.

Diabetes can often detected by carrying out a urine test to find out whether excess glucose is present. This is normally followed by a blood test which measure blood glucose levels and can confirm if the cause of symptoms is diabetes. We have already known the types of diabetes. Now let us go for various tests one by one.

HbA1c-Glycated Haemoglobin test: This blood test will indicate the average blood sugar levels for the past three months. It measures percentage of blood sugar attached to haemoglobin. The higher the blood sugar levels, more sugar is combined with haemoglobin.

If the result is between 5.7 and 6.4 percentage, it is considered pre-diabetes. Normal level is below 5.7 percentage.If you are diabetic patient then you have to take this HbA1c test for every three or four months without fail .This is apart from your routine urine and blood tests. Generally following are indications for the blood sugar control in case of diabetic patients. If it shows

    Between 6.01----7.0 % is taken as good control

                 7.1 -----8.0 % is taken as fair control

                 8.1------10.0 % is taken as poor control

                 More than 10 % is unsatisfactory.

RANDOM blood sugar test (RBS): Here blood sample will be collected at a random time. If random test shows sugar level of 200 mg/dl or higher it can indicate diabetes, especially considering the presence of other diabetic symptoms.

FASTING blood sugar test (FBS): A blood sample is collected after an overnight fast. A fasting blood sugar level if it is less than 100 mg/dl is considered normal level. If it is 100 to 125 mg/dl is considered pre-diabetes level. It is often the first test done to check for pre-diabetes and measuring glucose levels for diabetes during treatment.

Postprandial glucose test (PP): It is a blood glucose test that determines the amount of a type of sugar called glucose in the blood after meal. Glucose comes from carbohydrate foods. It is a main source of energy used by the body. A 2 hour postprandial blood glucose test measures blood glucose exactly 2 hours after eating a meal timed from the start of meal. This serves as a test whether a person may have diabetes or whether a person who has diabetes is successfully controlling his blood sugar.  Here the important point is a person who is suffering from diabetes should take his medicines as prescribed by his Doctor that is before or after food.

Oral glucose tolerance test (GTT):  For this test one has to fast overnight and the fasting blood sugar level is measured. Then drink a sugar liquid and blood sugar levels are tested periodically for the next two hours. Here blood sugar levels less than 140 mg/dl is considered normal. More than 200 after two hours indicate diabetes. Please note that sugar levels noted here may vary from lab to lab as per the methods used for testing.

For TYPE I diabetes (Insulin dependent) Urine will be tested to look for the presence of by product produced when muscle and fat tissue are used for energy when body does not have enough Insulin to use the available glucose.

Friends, I hope I have given here the full details of the tests for diabetes. If you know anything more please free to add here so that others may have more information. Your comments are welcome.

Types and symptoms for diabetes mellitus

Hi friends I hope you would have gained some information about what is diabetes through my previous post about diabetes. 

Now let us see about the types and symptoms for diabetes.

Types of diabetes are - Type I diabetes, Type II diabetes, Gestational diabetes and Pre-diabetes. Let go for one by one.

Different Types of diabetes - Ref www.sanofidiabetes.in

Type I diabetes: Also called IDDM (Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus). Here in type I diabetes with moderately high levels of blood sugar (glucose) may pass large volume of urine. In a very simple form type I diabetes is caused when the body is unable to produce insulin which is required to manage blood sugar levels. In other words in type I body is neither able to produce insulin nor utilize it. Hence type I diabetic patients can only manage with the help of INSULIN injections. That is why they are called insulin dependent.

Type II diabetes: Also called NIDDM (Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus). Type II diabetes can be managed by increasing exercise and dietary modifications with proper medicines prescribed by your doctor. Type II diabetes is a condition in which, even-though body is producing sufficient insulin the cells are unable to utilise it.

Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that affects pregnant women, may harm both mother and baby. So it should be treated by planned meal and scheduled physical activity. In some cases insulin injection may also be required. Everything should be done as per doctor's advice. Gestational diabetes is a condition unique to pregnancy in which the blood sugar levels become elevated because of the mother’s insufficient production of insulin or her body’s inability to properly use insulin.

Pre-diabetes: This is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not so high for diagnoses for diabetes. People with pre diabetic conditions are more likely to develop in to Type II diabetes.Other names used for pre diabetes are impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose. People with pre-diabetes can prevent or delay development of type II by maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular physical activities and with diet control.

The general symptoms of diabetes are as under:

Excessive urination and frequent urination especially during night, Over thirsty and Hunger, Weight loss, Increased fatigue, Irritability, Blurred vision, Frequent gum disorder or infection, Sexual dysfunction among men, Numbness or Tingling in feet and hands. 

Please note the above symptoms may occur due to other problems also. To make sure you are diabetic or not, you have to consult your Doctor immediately if you find any of those symptoms. Your doctor, after seeing the test results will prescribe medicines to control your diabetes.

In the next post we will see about Diagnoses of diabetes.

Dear friends,

Some of you might be wondering why there has been no posts in this blog over the past few weeks.

I regret to inform you with a sad heart that my father Mr. Subramanian (KVS) passed away suddenly on 25 Sep. We have been trying to come to terms with this sudden loss.

Reading about health, documenting and sharing health related information has been an important part of his life. When we look at his belongings, we find so many books and notes regarding various health topics – Homeo cures, lifestyle changes and Natural & home medicines.  

Over the last year, it has been an interesting journey for him and me (him to read, collect and collate information into a word document and for me to edit and post it in blogger). He created all the content of this blog referring from various sources and his experiences, while I reviewed it, added links, pictures etc and published it.  

He has prepared notes for future posts on Diabetes and a few other remedies also. 

One of the interesting goals he was looking forward was to reach 10,000 views by this year end, I think this blog is well on its way towards that. With that, it is unfortunate that we should lose him at this time. 

His wish was to share good and useful information through this blog. I hope that the information in these posts proved helpful to some of you over the time and helps in future also. 

With that hope I will take up his notes on Diabetes and others, edit and post them over the next few weeks.

Thanks

Anand

DIABETES – A worldwide concern

Hi friends, so far we discussed about Homeopathy and Naturopathy medicines which may solve many diseases without side effects. We have also discussed about the medicinal values of many Plants, Vegetables, Roots, Fruits, Seeds etc., for our healthy living. Please check my earlier posts on these. 

I hope you would have got some useful information from the posts. I request you to add your comments at bottom of the posts and also share the ones you find interesting and useful with your friends.

Now let us move on to the topic “Diseases and Remedies”. Here I am going to share my experience and collections from reliable sources.

First let us deal with the most chronic/troublesome disorder DIABETES, which is a worldwide concern. Many of you may know some information about this disorder because many people are suffering with diabetes and the number is increasing day by day. I would like to share with you my views and opinion so that every one of us must have the basic idea of this disorder which may help to prevent or to control this problem and help lead a normal healthy life. 

What is diabetes?

Main Symptoms of Diabetes
Picture from Wikipedia - Diabetes page

Diabetes is a condition in which there is too much sugar (glucose) in the blood. Even though glucose is essential to provide energy to the body, when it is excess it is harmful. 

Food taken by us is digested and converted in to glucose. Blood carries glucose to all cells in the body. The cells use glucose as a fuel (energy). 

Insulin is essential for glucose to enter in to the cells of the body. 

Check the adjoining picture to understand the common symptoms of diabetes.

It is estimated that there are more than 350 Million (about 35 Crore) people affected by diabetes worldwide and the number is increasing and expected to exceed 50 crores by 2030. 

Let us see about INSULIN. Insulin is a substance produced by the PANCREAS an organ, situated behind stomach. 

When insulin is absent or deficient or defective, glucose cannot enter into the cells and remains in the blood in high amount. Diabetics have excess sugar in blood because they have deficient supply of INSULIN. See the picture below about Pancreas

The Pancreas
Photo by: Blausen.com staff. "Blausen gallery 2014"

Hence please note diabetes is a disorder not a disease. 

It is a disorder related to the impaired glucose tolerance of the body when insulin function is affected.

Diabetes is diagnosed when levels of glucose in the blood are above normal.  

In this post I have narrated what is diabetes. I think one can easily understand that diabetes is due to pancreas not working properly.

In the next post will see about the types and symptoms. Ok?

Peanuts – Simple, Favourite and Nutritious nuts for the family

Peanut Leaves and freshly dug pods, 
South Carolina, USA

Photo by: Pollinator

We have seen the benefits of Walnuts – the Brain food in our previous post. 

Now let us see how PEANUTS are helpful for our health. These nuts are quite common among us and often used in various forms like roasted peanuts, boiled peanuts, peanuts cakes and also used in many forms in our kitchen including peanut oil. 

These nuts are also called ground nuts. Everyone like to eat these nuts while traveling, chatting, viewing TV, while reading books, or walking etc., because these tasty nuts are easily available throughout the year in all departmental stores, even in petty shops on the street corners. These nuts are also cheaper than other nuts. 

In fact, peanut is a “legume” rather than a “nut” although it is called nut colloquially. Now let us go to the health benefits of this nut in short.

Peanut Flower Photo by: Tu7uh

Mound of Peanuts, Senegal Photo by: Karah24

Peanuts are an excellent source of vitamin E which is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant which helps to maintain the integrity of cells and skin by protecting from harmful oxygen free radicals. 

Peanuts are a great source of concentrated protein as well. 

In fact, Peanuts have a long list of Protein, Vitamins and Metals, minerals that. Just see the image to the right about the Nutrition information from US Department of Agriculture (USDA) about the nutritional value of 100 grams of raw Peanuts.

These nuts are packed with many B complex vitamins like Niacin, Thiamine, Pantothenic acid, Vitamin 6 and Folates. They are rich sources of minerals like copper, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, selenium, protein etc., which are required for smooth functioning of our body.

Peanuts also contain fiber which helps for the easy bowel movement. Fiber is also good for digestion. Regular intake of these nuts may help lower risk of colon cancer and also formation of gallstones.

Munch Bar made of Peanut Brittle Photo by: Evan-Amos

Kabukim, crunchy coated peanuts popular in Israel Photo by: Shomroni

The vitamins present in peanuts help to maintain healthy skin and hair as well healthy muscle tone. The potassium present in peanuts helps regulate the body’s water levels to normal metabolism of food which prevents cramping.

The worlds’ main peanut producing countries are China, India and United States of America. 

Peanuts, that too mainly Boiled peanuts possess good taste and enrich their nutritional and antioxidants profile. 

Squirrel with Peanuts
Photo by: Jamie McCaffrey

Peanut is a favourite snack for many and even for some of our friendly animals.

Here we have to note that India’s father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite diet was peanuts and goat milk.

Have a Crunchy and healthy snack by including the various nuts like Walnuts, Cashew nuts, Almonds, Pisthachios and peanuts in your diet

WALNUTS – Brain food

We have seen the health benefits and usages of nuts like Almonds, Pistachios, and Cashews in our previous posts. Here is another important nut called walnut. This also have number of health benefits like other nuts.

Walnut shell inside Green husk
Photo by: Böhringer Friedrich 

Walnut is an edible seed of walnut tree. Romans introduced walnuts to many European countries. Walnut seeds have number of health benefits ranging from weight loss to prevention of various cancers.

Walnuts are high in protein, vitamins, OMEGA-3 fatty acids, lecithin and oils compared with other nuts. This is only nut with a significant amount of alpha linoleic acid. Moreover have insignificant amounts of sodium and with cholesterol free.

 

Walnut – on the outside and insidePhoto by: AndonicO.

Presence of antioxidants and anti- inflammatory properties in the walnuts help to maintain cardiovascular system thereby preventing heart problems.

Very important to note in these nuts is the content of OMEGA-3. Omega-3 and omega-6 are very much essential fatty acids required for our body for cell growth, immune function, blood clotting, and disease prevention. Our body cannot make them on its own. These fatty acids have to be obtained from diet. Walnuts serve this purpose.

Walnut is good for hair’s health, because of its content of vitamin 7. It will reduce hair fall and improve hair growth. Studies reveal that regular consumption of walnuts may help to prevent type II diabetes.

Walnuts have very good antioxidant content and will fight against cancers. Walnuts help to prevent breast cancer, prostate cancer. It may prevent and even slow the progress of prostate cancer. This is one of the home remedies to try and prevent prostate cancer.

Chocolate walnut cake
Photo by: PlayMistyForMe

Walnuts are packed with many groups of vitamin B complex like riboflavin, niacin, thamin, vitamin B6 and folates. And also contain minerals like manganese, copper, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc and selenium.

The presence of more vitamin E in this nut is beneficial as this vitamin helps to maintain the integrity of cell membrane and mucus membranes and also protect the skin from harmful oxygen free radicals.

Precaution: Some studies reveal that despite of many health benefits of this walnut, one must be careful on the amount and the frequency of consumption of walnuts because of it is high in oxalates. High oxalates may contribute to kidney stone formation. Any allergic reaction noticed while consuming this nuts, immediately stop taking this nuts.

Walnuts are a delicious way to add extra nutrition, flavour and crunch to a meal and are sometimes referred as “Brain food”. Better take twice in a week that too with other nuts

Do not forget walnut is one of the best home remedies to slow the growth of prostate cancer.

Cashew nuts – Tasty seeds that form an Healthy Snack

We have seen the health benefits and the usage of Almonds and Pistachios nuts. In this post we will discuss about cashew nuts.

Colorful Cashew fruits in a tree, in Kannur, Kerala, India
Photo by: Vinayaraj

This kidney shaped seeds stick to the bottom of the cashew apple. In India it is called KAAJU. 

Cashew Nuts are a native of Brazil’s Amazon forest. Today it is cultivated in many parts of the world – Mainly Nigeria, India, Vietnam, Philippines etc.

Mostly cashew nuts are used in preparing cakes, sweets, biscuits etc. Roasted nuts are very popular among us. 

Cashews are nutritiously dense with variety of essential fats and proteins, vitamins and minerals which can bring a number of health benefits to our body.

Many people avoid eating of cashews because of its fat content. In fact cashews contain fat less than other nuts. And also contain only unsaturated fat. This fat can help lower cholesterol and improve heart health.

The proanthocyanidins a class of flavonols, contained in this nut help to fight against tumour cells by stopping them to divide further. Cashews contain less fat, cholesterol free and the antioxidants present in these nuts keep away heart diseases. With sources of magnesium cashew helps lower blood pressure. 

Cashew helps to keep up healthy bones because of calcium and magnesium contents. And help to keep healthy teeth and strong gum.

Women preparing Cashew for packaging,
Africa

All nuts including cashews have been associated with a reduced risk of gallstone disease. Recent study shows cashews like other nuts work with a person’s lipid profile to have a beneficial effect on diabetes.

This nut can reduce triglyceride levels in diabetes protecting them from further complications. Consumption of cashews especially raw cashew in our diets may lower the risk of type II diabetes.

Fried Cashew Nuts
Photo by: Midori

Cashews can be eaten as a snack with other nuts as raw, salted or roasted. These nuts are widely used in confectionery as addition to biscuits, cakes, sweets etc.

Precaution: it is advised to consume only limited quantity of cashews. And also better to take along with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios or along with other dishes. Do not eat too many at a time. 

For some people cashew nuts may cause allergy. Individual with known allergic reactions to these cashew nuts may observe caution while eating especially raw. Cashew allergy is a common condition in some individual.

Hope I have given few benefits and usages of cashews. If any of you know more please free to mention here so that others may know more about this nut.

Pistachios – Healthy nuts that help in Diabetes and reducing Heart diseases

Dear friends, I had a minor surgery last week and hence could not post for a couple of weeks. I am back home now and recuperating. Will continue the posts as before.

In the previous post we discussed about Almonds. Now will see the health benefits of PISTACHIOS. Okay?

Pista flowers and nuts
Photo by: Paolo Galli

This is another nutrient nut which is commonly called as PISTA. Pistachios are one of the healthier nuts. They are filled with essential nutrients and have number of health benefits. 

Pistachios are one of the oldest nuts that were commonly used in the world many for more than 8000 years. They are native of Central Asia. 

Today many countries (mainly Iran, United States, Turkey) are cultivating pistachios. A tree of Pista nut takes ten to twelve years to deliver for good seeds and the seed is what we eat as the nut.

Let us see the health benefits of these sweet nuts.

Pistachios help in reducing (LDL) cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol (HDL) thereby preventing heart diseases. Also increases the strength of nerves and making heart stronger.

The contents of vitamin A and vitamin E and anti-inflammatory properties in this nut which help to reduce inflammation in our body.

Vitamin B6 contained in this nut helps in carrying oxygen in the blood. If taken daily, the high quantity of B6 present in this nut can increase the oxygen quantity in the blood and increase the hemoglobin count in it. Another benefit of vitamin B6 present in high concentration in this nut is that it is very beneficial to nervous system and also for a healthy immune system.

These nuts contain fewer calories and more potassium and vitamin K than other nuts. Sodium present in this nut is zero which is different from other nuts. This is good news for the people suffering from hypertension because they have to curb the intake of sodium in their diet.

The Food and Drug Administration of USA (FDA) has approved a health claim regarding nuts lowering the risk of heart diseases (CHD – Coronary heard disease) - "Scientific evidence suggests (not prove) that eating 1.5 ounces (42.5 g) per day of most nuts, such as pistachios, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease"

Studies involving humans have shown that 32–63 grams (1.1–2.2 oz) per day of pistachio seeds can significantly elevate plasma levels of lutein, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene etc.

Note: The fat profile of Pistachios. Dry roasted pista seeds have Its fat profile is roughly 14% saturated fat, 54% monounsaturated fat and 32% polyunsaturated fat. Keep note of this while calculating your fat intake for the day.

LUTEIN and ZEAXANTHIN are two anti-oxidants present in pistachios. These help to fight against free radicals and destroy them thereby preventing macular degeneration and are also good for the eyes. Pistachios help promoting healthy vision and are highly recommended to those suffering with any vision related issues.

Vitamin E present in these nuts is very essential for our healthy skin. It protects the skin from harmful UV rays and prevents from skin diseases and makes the skin healthy and more beautiful. Similar to skin pistachios have much to offer hair care also. It deeply nourishes and moisturizes hair which helps in improving flexibility of hair.

Vitamin B6 also helps in increasing the blood count. Thus WBC or white blood cells help in preventing infections and various cancers.

Pista toppings in a cake

Finally it helps to control Diabetes. How? The sugars form inappropriate bonds with proteins and make them unusable in a process called glycation. The antioxidants in pistachios help in reducing process of glycation and thus can help in controlling diabetes. It lowers the blood sugar level by slowing down the carbohydrate absorption of the body. Check this link for more information about whether pistachios can help lower blood sugars.

Pistachios are also used in various sweets, Milk shakes, Cake toppings, Ice-creams, Kulfi, Turkish delights etc.

Triflavour kulfi
Photo by: stu_spivack

So friends now you may understand the benefits of taking this sweet nut. 

Take at least twice in a week that too with other nuts or with other dishes during tea time which may help in so many ways for healthy living. 

How is this article? Do you find it useful and interesting? 

Please give your comments and also pass on any more information if you have. It will be useful to all.

Almonds (Badam) – the king of Nuts

We have seen the medicinal benefits of many plants (Insulin plant, Bitter Gourd), leaves (Moringa), fruits (Grapes, Watermelon) and vegetables (Potatoes, Tomatoes, Onions, Green Peas) in previous posts. Now let us see how nuts can play a crucial role in our healthy living.

There are many nuts that we use daily for cooking but we will discuss only a few important nuts like Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts, and Pistachios in upcoming posts. Each of these have different health benefits.

Let us take Almonds now (or Badam in India, Persia etc.). 

Almonds are called world’s healthiest nut also sometimes the king of nuts. This delicious versatile almond is available throughout the year. 

Almonds are an ancient food – mainly from the Mediterranean regions (seems the Romans referred these as Greek nuts) extending all the way till the Indus. 

Although we think of Almonds as a Nut, it is actually the seed of the fruit of the almond tree.  Check out the nice white and pink flowers with fruit from an orchard in Iran.(Photo By: شهریار)

They are high in monounsaturated fats which are associated with reduced risk of heart diseases. A quarter cup of almonds contains 62 mg of magnesium and 162 mg of potassium. When there is enough magnesium around veins and arteries helps to breathe comfortably and improves flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout our body. Potassium is an important electrolyte involved in nerve transmission and the contraction of all muscles including the heart.

Currently United States produces the maximum between 50% to 80% and all of it is produced in California. 

Almonds can be eaten as raw, roasted and also with many dishes. Almonds are used in various recipes, especially in bakery items like chocolate, breads and also used as medicine.  

Almond Tart  
Photo By: Lorraine Murphy

Almonds are rich in calcium which helps for bone strength. 

They are also high in vitamin E which helps the condition and appearance of skin. 

Since the skin of these nuts has got heart protecting compounds called Flavonoids, if you take Almonds with its skin, it will help to protect heart. (We also read about Flavonoids in Grapes and how they help reduce the Plaque buildup in arteries)

In Short, Almonds 

• Reduce the risk of Heart attack and lower bad cholesterol in our body. 
• Protect artery walls from damage due to their Flavonoid content. 
• Help to build strong bones and teeth because of phosphorous present in them 
• Lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals 
• Help to nourish the nervous system. 

Just a handful of almonds contains one eighth of our necessary daily protein. 

Almond oil is extracted from the nuts used as an emollient (or moisturizer). If applied regularly it will help to protect the skin from dryness. This oil is used in cooking and is used in some medicines in aromatherapy. Also used in cosmetic industries and in pharmaceuticals.

Eat nuts to cut the risk of cancer and heart diseases. Eating nuts everyday may prolong our life. Better to take few almonds along with other nuts daily during your tea time.

Your comments about this post are welcome.

Benefits of Potatoes – Staple food for many, Healthy for most.

In earlier posts, we have seen the benefits of onions and tomatoes. Now must see the other vegetable that is regular used, that is POTATOES and how they help for healthy living. Potatoes belong to Nightshade family like tomatoes and eggplants. And potatoes are considered a staple family vegetable. As most of you know, It is one of the root vegetables.

Potato flowers
Image by: ARS, USDA

Potatoes are a very popular food source. But unfortunately many people eat them in the forms of chips, French fries, baked potatoes etc. These types are loaded with fats and may be one of the reasons to contribute to heart attack. But without deep frying and without adding fat, potatoes are a high fiber food and with low calories that help significant protection against cardiovascular diseases and many others.

They are very good sources of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C with Potassium, Copper, Manganese, Phosphorous, Niacin, Pantothenic acid etc., Vitamin B6 helps our nervous system. B6 is necessary for creation of amines.

Potatoes also contain anti-oxidant properties. A study reveals that regular consumption of potatoes can lower high blood pressure. Another theory reveals that LECTINS contain in the potatoes inhibit cancer cells. One medium skin on potato provides 45 percent of our daily value of vitamin C and more potassium than a banana. This family favoured vegetable is just 110 calories.

Note: Lectins (contained in other nightshade plants, dairy etc) can cause problems for some. They should avoid the foods with high source of Lectin and also use fermentation, soaking etc, before cooking to get rid of Lectins in the vegetables before cooking

Boiled potatoes are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals like Potassium, Phosphorus with B complex Vitamins. Please note, potatoes are not inherently Fattening.

Colorful varieties of Potatoes
Image by Agricultural Research Service,
agency of USDA

There are more than 4000 varieties of potatoes with different in sizes (Check out the wikipedia link on Varieties of Potatoes) , in colours with different content of starch and flavour according to the cultivation.

Potatoes have natural starchy flavour, they serve as a good complement to many dishes in cooking and widely used by us. The skin of the potato is a concentrated source of dietary fiber. So to get the full benefit do not peel the skin fully. Just wash potatoes well and remove the unwanted bruises, deep eyes with the help of a knife and use it with the skin. Potatoes help to build a strong bones and muscles in our body.

So do not omit potatoes in your regular diet. Onions, Tomatoes and Potatoes are good combination is it not?

Your comments are welcome. Request you to give your comments regarding this post in the comments column and request to share the benefits with others.

Tomatoes - Sauce, Salad, Juice, Pizza, others. Many uses and Many benefits.

In my previous post we discussed about benefits of grapes. Now we can see about the health benefits of TOMATOES.

We can see always these three vegetables onions, potatoes, and tomatoes stored in every kitchen shelf. One way or other they are used in our daily dishes. These have become our traditional vegetables. I have given the medicinal benefits and usages of onions in one of my previous posts. Hope you would have gone through that post. Now it is the turn of Tomatoes. 

Handful of different tomatoes
from Ho Farms in
Kahuku, Hawaii.
Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS

Tomatoes are part of nightshade family like potatoes and eggplants. Even though they are fruits they are considered as vegetables. Ripe tomatoes should be used within two or three days and it is better never refrigerate them since in cold temperature their flavor is lost and the flesh turns grainy. 

The word tomato comes from Spanish word tomate. Tomatoes are grown worldwide for its edible uses. It is learnt that there are more than 7500 varieties of tomatoes are grown in various purposes. They are grapes tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, plum tomatoes and so on.  Hybrid plants are common.

What are all the medicinal benefits of tomatoes?

Tomatoes contain the bright-red carotene lycopene which is one of the natural powerful anti-oxidants. Studies reveal that lycopene especially in cooked tomatoes help to prevent prostate CANCER. Consumption of tomatoes has been associated with decreased risk of breast cancer, head and neck cancers also.

Tomatoes are beneficial for reducing cardiovascular risk associated with type II diabetes. They are sweet, juicy and delicious with low in calories and fat free. They are good sources of Vitamin A, C, K with Folate and Potassium. They are low in Sodium, Saturated fat, Cholesterol.

They also provide Thiamine, Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Copper which are very essential medicinal properties for keeping good health. The vitamin A present in tomato helps  improve vision.

Tomatoes help skin to protect against sun damage. The content of lycopene makes skin less sensitive to UV light damage. It also helps in building strong bones because of Vitamin K and Calcium. They are very good source of Chromium which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. 

Green unripe tomatoes
Photoby: TigerisLagoona

Another interesting report is tomatoes can prevent kidney stones and gallstones when eaten without seeds.

Tomato can be consumed as raw, can be made as a healthy juice, and can be mixed in salads, or in cooking of dishes. Tomatoes pickles are very good to eat. Unripe tomatoes like the ones in the photo can also be used in cooking. 

If you have anything more about this wonder vegetable please free to add here. Also feel free to put your questions or comments. Also, provide any feedback on the topics or contents.