TOMATOES are widely available, people of all ages and cultures like them, they are cost-effective, and are available in many forms. Tomatoes and tomato products are one of the most familiar vegetables in the many people’s diet. They are heaven on a burger and superstars in a sauce and a plate of rice served in the northern Nigeria is not complete when it is not garnished with slices of tomatoes and onion.
Most people tend to assume that tomato is more for making stews and soups to enjoy a bowl of boiled rice, amala, tuwo or fufu, but these fruits are definitely foods that contain a myriad of health benefits for the body because of its essential nutrients.
One serving of raw tomatoes (about 150 grams) contains vitamins A, C, K, folate, and potassium. Tomatoes are naturally low in sodium, saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories. Tomatoes also contain thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper as well as natural oxidants such as lycopene. All are needed to support a healthy body.
In addition, a portion of tomato provides two grams of fiber, which is seven per cent of the recommended daily fiber intake. Tomatoes also have relatively high water content.
More than that, there are a few more benefits of tomatoes for health that many individuals need to be aware of and maximize: Here are a few:
Protects from stroke
Researchers in a report published in the journal, Neurology, has linked lycopene levels in the blood to stroke protection. Lycopene is what gives tomatoes its red color. They made this connection after following more than a thousand middle-aged men for 12 years.
Men with the greatest amounts of lycopene in their blood had a 55 per cent lower chance of having any kind of stroke. The lycopene connection was even stronger (59 per cent) when it came to protecting against strokes due to blood clots (the most common type).
The researchers suggested taken lycopene-rich meals, in addition to its ability to attack free radicals, may also reduce inflammation and cholesterol, improve immune function, and prevent blood from clotting. All of these may help reduce ischemic strokes, which are caused by clot-caused blockages in blood flow to the brain.
The health benefits of tomatoes are
1. Beauty Skin
2. Fights cancer
3. Supports healthy hearts
4. Supports good blood pressure control
5. Battles bad cholesterol
6. Boosts bone health
7. Promotes healthier sleep
8. Helps relieve back pain, arthritis
Source: tribune.com