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.