What are the health benefits of Tomatoes
Tomatoes, known by their botanical name Lycopersicon esculentum, are fruits and not vegetables as some people classify them under. In general, tomatoes are berries and can range in size and color from, yellow, to orange and vivid red. Although they fall under the category of fruits, tomatoes do not possess that “fruity” sweetness that we have become accustomed to; rather they possess a very mild sweetness which contrasts to its natural tangy-acidic flavor. The benefits for health of tomatoes are vast; they include eye care, good stomach health, and reduced blood pressure. Let’s explore the nutrition facts as well as the benefits for health of tomatoes and lots more.
Nutrient Content of Tomatoes
Moreover, benefits for health of tomatoes can be attributed to their wealth of nutrients and vitamins. The nutrition facts in 100g of tomato are:
- Water: 89.44 g
- Energy: 32 kcal
- Protein: 1.64 g
- Total lipid, fats: 0.28 g
- Sugar: 4.4 g
- Calcium, Ca: 34 mg
- Iron, Fe: 1.3 mg
- Magnesium, Mg: 20 mg
- Phosphorus, P: 32 mg
- Potassium, K: 293 mg
- Sodium, Na: 186 mg
Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Additionally, Tomatoes have different varieties of vitamins and minerals. A single tomato can account for 40% of the daily vitamin C requirement. Moreover, Vitamin C is a much-needed natural antioxidant that prevents free radicals from damaging the body system. Aside from vitamin C, tomatoes contain abundant vitamin A, vitamin K, phosphorus as well as iron. The phosphorus presents help in developing stronger nerves while the iron is essential for maintaining normal blood circulation.
Counters the effects of smoking
Tomatoes contain coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid. The benefit for health of these two acids is that it fights against nitrosamines, which are the main carcinogens found in cigarettes. Another advantage from the nutrition facts of tomato is that its vitamin A content also helps in the fight against nitrosamines.
Improve Vision
Another important benefit for health that the tomato possesses is its ability to improve vision, preventing night-blindness and macular degeneration. In general, Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that can be formed from an excess of beta-carotene in the body. A lot of vision problems occur due to the harmful effects of free radicals and vitamin A, being a powerful antioxidant, can help prevent them since vision impairment is rarely cured.
Lower Cholesterol
Tomato seeds have no cholesterol at all. Instead of these nutrition facts, tomato seeds contain enough fiber, which helps in reducing the cholesterol level.
Prevents Sign of Aging
Tomatoes and its products enable the skin to absorb enough oxygen and prevent the signs of aging. It provides an amazing natural skin treatment that can make the skin look much younger and healthy with little no additional effort. This is an essential benefit for health as having healthy skin shows healthy living.
With all the nutrition facts as well as the benefits for health highlighted in this article, you would want to avail yourself with this wonder fruit. Add them to your daily beauty and nutrition regime, and you’re sure to remain healthy and look youthful always.
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