12 Health Benefits of Fresh Tomatoes

Introduction:  

You A low calorie seasonal fruit that older adults can enjoy freely but moderately because of its numerous health benefits.

An interesting aspect of tomato history is the classic debate: Is the Tomato a Fruit or Vegetable? . By definition, a fruit is the edible plant structure of a mature ovary of a flowering plant, usually eaten raw; some are sweet like apples, but the ones that are not sweet such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, etc. are commonly called vegetables. 

Botanists claim that a fruit is any fleshy material that covers a seed or seeds where as a horticulturists point of view would pose that the tomato is a vegetable plant. Until the late 1800’s the tomato was classified as a fruit to avoid taxation, but this was changed after a Supreme Court ruling that the tomato is a vegetable and should be taxed accordingly.
When it is all said and done, the history of the tomato has classified as a poisonous beautiful plant, a tax-avoiding fruit, and a taxable vegetable. Nonetheless, the tomato is one of the most popular vegetable in Nigeria  and enjoyed by millions all over the world.

Here are 12 reasons to include fresh tomatoes in your list:

1. Tomatoes are good for your skin. Tomatoes contain a high level of lycopene, which is a
substance that is used in some of the more pricy facial cleansers that are available for purchase over-the-counter.

2. Tomatoes help prevent several types of cancer. A number of studies have been conducted that indicate that the high levels of lycopene in tomatoes works to reduce your chances of developing prostate, colorectal and stomach
cancers.
Lycopene is a natural antioxidant that works effectively to slow the growth of cancerous cells. Cooked tomatoes produce even more lycopene,

3. Tomatoes help maintain strong bones. Tomatoes contain a considerable amount of calcium and
Vitamin K. Both of these nutrients are essential in strengthening and performing minor repairs on the bones as well as the bone tissue. 

4. Tomatoes help repair damage caused by smoking. However, tomatoes can reduce the amount of
damaged done to your body by smoking cigarettes especially the lungs.
Tomatoes contain coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid that work to protect the body from carcinogens that are produced from cigarette smoke.

5. Tomatoes provide essential antioxidants. Tomatoes contain a great deal of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. This is primarily because these vitamins and beta-carotene work as antioxidants helps  to neutralize harmful free radicals in the blood. Free radicals in the blood stream are dangerous because it may lead to cell damage.
It is important to note, the redder the tomato you eat, the more beta-carotene it contains. In addition, you also want to keep in mind that cooking destroys the Vitamin C, so for vitamin C benefits, the tomatoes are either taken raw or lightly stewed.


6. Tomatoes are good for your heart. Because of the Vitamin B and potassium in tomatoes, they are
effective in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. Therefore, by including tomatoes in your regular
balanced diet you can effectively prevent heart attacks, strokes as well as many other heart related problems that may threaten your life.

7. Tomatoes are good for your hair. The Vitamin A in tomatoes works perfectly to keep your hair
shiny and strong. In addition, it also does wonders for your
eyes, skin, bones and teeth. 

8. Tomatoes are good for your kidneys. Adding tomatoes without seeds to your diet has been proven
in some studies to reduce the risk of kidney stones. 

9. Tomatoes are good for your eyes. The Vitamin A found in tomatoes is fantastic for improving
your vision. In addition, eating tomatoes is one of the best
foods to eat to prevent the development of night blindness. 

10. Tomatoes are good for diabetics. Tomatoes are packed full of the valuable mineral known as chromium. It works effectively to help diabetics keep their
blood sugar levels under better control.

11. Lung Friendly: Research Shows Tomatoes and Tomatoe-Based Foods May Lower Risk of Lung Damage Caused by Environmental pollution.

12: Low Calorie – Fresh tomatoes is among calorie foods for individual on a cholesterol lowering diet.

NOTE:
A unique point about tomatoes worthy of note is that cooking does not destroy the lycopene content and strength of tomatoes, but rather strengthens it. Tomatoes could be eaten as a raw vegetable or cooked.
As for processed tomatoes, the problem is always with the can. ie container and other chemicals added to preserve it. I therefore suggested that health concious people stay away from canned tomatoes,as for me I have since removed it from my list, and the result is undeniable.  Moderation remains our rule.  I have noticed thar consuming too much tomatoes 🍅 affects my sleep and it is not best at night, it is more of a brain food.

Photo credit: ogbete Market