Health And Beauty Benefits Of Tomatoes
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| Tomatoes are a low-calorie and nutrient-dense food that are a good source of several vitamins and minerals |
Overview
Tomatoes are a low-calorie and nutrient-dense food that are a good source of several vitamins and minerals.
Here are some nutrition facts about tomatoes:
One medium-sized tomato (approximately 123 grams) contains:
Calories: 22
Protein: 1 gram
Fat: 0.2 grams
Carbohydrates: 5 grams
Fiber: 1.5 grams
Vitamin C: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin A: 6% of the DV
Potassium: 6% of the DV
Vitamin K: 7% of the DV
Folate: 5% of the DV
Tomatoes are also a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect against some forms of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Cooking tomatoes can actually increase the availability of lycopene in the body.
It's worth noting that the nutrient content of tomatoes can vary depending on the variety and how they are grown.
Health benefits of tomatoes
Tomatoes offer several health benefits due to their nutrient content, especially their high levels of vitamins and antioxidants.
Here are some potential health benefits of tomatoes:
May reduce the risk of heart disease:
Tomatoes are rich in nutrients like potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, which can help support heart health.
They are also a good source of lycopene, which has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
May help low blood pressure:
The potassium in tomatoes can help counteract the negative effects of sodium on blood pressure, potentially reducing the risk of hypertension.
May have anticancer properties:
Lycopene, in addition to other antioxidants in tomatoes, has been linked to a reduced risk of some forms of cancer, including prostate, lung, and stomach cancer.
May support skin health:
The vitamin C in tomatoes can help promote collagen production, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin.
Additionally, the lycopene in tomatoes has been linked to a reduced risk of sunburn.
May support digestion:
The fiber in tomatoes can help promote healthy digestion and regularity.
May help manage diabetes:
Some studies have suggested that consuming tomatoes may help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
May help improve vision:
Tomatoes contain vitamin A, which is essential for eye health. Consuming tomatoes may help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and other vision-related problems.
May help support immune function:
The vitamin C in tomatoes can help support the immune system and may reduce the risk of infections like colds and flu.
May help with weight management:
Tomatoes are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a good food choice for those looking to manage their weight.
May support bone health:
Tomatoes contain nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamin K, which are important for maintaining strong bones.
May help reduce inflammation:
The antioxidants found in tomatoes, including vitamin C and lycopene, have anti-inflammatory properties.
Consuming tomatoes may help reduce inflammation in the body and lower the risk of chronic diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
May help reduce the risk of kidney stones:
Tomatoes contain citric acid, which can help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Additionally, the high water content of tomatoes can help keep the kidneys hydrated and healthy.
May support cognitive function:
Some research suggests that consuming tomatoes may help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
The antioxidants in tomatoes may help protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals.
May help reduce the risk of stroke:
The high potassium content of tomatoes can help lower blood pressure, which is a risk factor for stroke.
Consuming tomatoes as part of a healthy diet may help reduce the risk of stroke.
May improve sleep quality:
Tomatoes contain an amino acid called tryptophan, which is essential for the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep.
Consuming tomatoes may help improve sleep quality and promote better rest.
It's important to note that while tomatoes offer many potential health benefits, they may not be appropriate for everyone.
Some people may be allergic to tomatoes or have difficulty digesting them.
Beauty Benefits Of Tomatoes
Please see the above video for reference.
- Tomato can address most of your skin worries.
- Tomato contains a higher amount of vitamins C and A. Because of this, it is good for every skin type.
- For oily skin and acne reduction, apply tomato paste on the face for 20 minutes and wash with warm water.
- To shrink pores in the skin, mix tomato juice with lemon juice and apply on pores with cotton and wash after 15 minutes.
- To remove tanning, blend 2 tomatoes with half a cup of yogurt and apply on all tanned parts of the body half hour before taking bath. Do this for some days.
- To cure acne scars and blemishes, mix 2 spoons of tomato juice with 1 spoon of grounded oatmeal and 1 spoon of yogurt. Apply this paste for 20 minutes. Repeat this for some days.
- To get shine-free matte skin, cut a tomato and rub it on the face for a few minutes. Wash when it dries.
- For bleaching and toning of the skin, prepare a mask of 3 spoons of tomato juice, 1 spoon of lemon juice, and 2 spoons of milk cream. Apply it for 15 minutes once a week.
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Why are tomatoes red?
Tomatoes are red due to the presence of a pigment called lycopene.
Lycopene is a type of carotenoid pigment, which is responsible for the red, orange, and yellow colors of many fruits and vegetables.
As tomatoes ripen, the levels of lycopene in the fruit increase, resulting in a deeper red color.
Interestingly, some varieties of tomatoes can be other colors besides red, such as yellow, orange, green, or even purple.
These different colors are due to the presence of other pigments, such as carotenes, anthocyanins, and chlorophyll.
However, red remains the most common color of tomatoes, as it is the result of the high levels of lycopene present in this fruit.
How can we use tomatoes as ayurvedic medicine?
In Ayurveda, tomatoes are considered to have cooling and cleansing properties, making them beneficial for pacifying Pitta dosha (the dosha associated with heat and fire) and reducing inflammation in the body.
Here are some ways that tomatoes can be used as Ayurvedic medicine:
Digestive aid:
Tomatoes can help promote healthy digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut.
Consuming tomatoes or drinking tomato juice before meals can help stimulate digestive juices and improve nutrient absorption.
Anti-inflammatory:
The lycopene and other antioxidants found in tomatoes have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Consuming cooked tomatoes (such as in tomato soup or sauce) may be particularly beneficial for reducing inflammation.
Blood purifier:
Ayurvedic practitioners believe that tomatoes can help purify the blood and support healthy circulation.
Consuming fresh tomato juice or adding tomatoes to salads and other dishes can help support healthy blood flow.
Skin health:
The vitamin C and other antioxidants found in tomatoes can help support healthy skin by reducing inflammation and promoting collagen production.
Applying tomato pulp or juice to the skin may help soothe irritations and promote healing.
Fever reducer:
Tomatoes are considered to have a cooling effect on the body and may be beneficial for reducing fevers.
Consuming tomato soup or drinking tomato juice can help cool the body and reduce inflammation during times of illness.
Frequently Asked Questions about tomatoes
Here are some frequently asked questions about tomatoes and their answers:
Q: Are tomatoes a fruit or a vegetable?
Answer: Tomatoes are technically a fruit, as they develop from the ovary of a flowering plant and contain seeds. However, they are often considered a vegetable in culinary contexts.
Q: Are tomatoes good for weight loss?
Answer: Yes, tomatoes can be a helpful food for weight loss, as they are low in calories, high in fiber, and contain a range of nutrients that can support a healthy metabolism.
Q: Can tomatoes cause heartburn or acid reflux?
Answer: Some people may experience heartburn or acid reflux after consuming tomatoes, as they are acidic.
However, this is not the case for everyone. If you experience symptoms after eating tomatoes, you may want to reduce your intake or avoid them altogether.
Q: Can you eat raw tomatoes?
Answer: Yes, tomatoes can be eaten raw, and many people enjoy them in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
Cooking tomatoes can also be beneficial, as it can help release more of their nutrients and make them easier to digest.
Q: Are tomatoes good for the skin?
Answer: Yes, tomatoes can be good for the skin, as they contain antioxidants like vitamin C and lycopene that can help protect against UV damage and promote healthy collagen production.
Q: Can tomatoes be harmful to dogs or other pets?
Answer: Yes, tomatoes can be harmful to dogs and other pets if consumed in large quantities, as they contain solanine, which can be toxic in high doses.
However, small amounts of ripe tomatoes are generally safe for pets to consume.
Q: Are organic tomatoes better than conventionally grown tomatoes?
Answer: Some people believe that organic tomatoes are better than conventionally grown tomatoes, as they are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
However, the nutritional content of organic and conventionally grown tomatoes is generally similar.
Q: Are canned tomatoes as nutritious as fresh tomatoes?
Answer: Canned tomatoes can be as nutritious as fresh tomatoes, as they are typically processed shortly after being harvested when their nutrient content is at its peak.
However, canned tomatoes can also be high in sodium and added sugars, so it's important to choose varieties that are low in these ingredients.
Q: Are green tomatoes safe to eat?
Answer: While green tomatoes are not toxic, they are typically not as sweet or flavorful as ripe tomatoes, and some people may find them unpalatable.
However, green tomatoes can be used in cooking, such as in fried green tomato dishes, and they contain similar nutrients to ripe tomatoes.
Q: Can tomatoes be frozen?
Answer: Yes, tomatoes can be frozen, either whole or chopped. However, freezing can affect their texture, so they may be best used in cooked dishes like soups, stews, or sauces.
Q: What is the best way to store tomatoes?
Answer: Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature and out of direct sunlight, as this can cause them to ripen and spoil more quickly.
Do not refrigerate tomatoes, as this can cause their texture to become mealy and affect their flavor.
Q: Are heirloom tomatoes better than regular tomatoes?
Answer: Heirloom tomatoes can be more flavorful and unique in appearance than regular tomatoes, but they may not be nutritionally superior.
Both heirloom and regular tomatoes contain similar nutrients, but heirloom varieties may have more diverse genetic backgrounds and be grown using more traditional farming methods.
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Compiled by: Paramjit Singh Rana
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