Monday, March 11, 2013

Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomato as we all know is a fruit/vegetable which grows on a wine. It is native to South America. Tomatoes grow in various sizes and colors. They can be eaten both raw and cooked. 


Tomatoes
 Source: Penny Greb: Wikimedia Commons
  
Some of the common varieties of tomatoes are

Beef steak which tomato is large in size, elliptical and red colored


Globe tomato which is medium sized and juicy. They can be eaten either raw or cooked.


Plum tomato is egg shaped. It is available in both red and yellow colors. 


Green tomato has a special flavor. It is good for frying and as an addition to other dishes. 


Cherry tomato is small in size and can be red or yellow in color. 


Several other varieties of tomatoes are grown across the world. 


Tomatoes are peeled, crushed and canned. At times herbs like oregano and basil are added. 


Tomato is cooked for several hours and strained. The rich concentrate which is in the form of paste is packed in cans or tubes.  


The commonly available, popular tomato sauce is prepared by cooking tomatoes and straining them. Seasonings or flavorings are added to it. 


Health Benefits


Blood Pressure


Tomatoes can help to lower blood pressure. Israeli scientists led by professor Ester Peron of the Soroka Medical Centre in Beersheba have found that the natural red pigment lycopene lowers blood pressure. It also helps to reduce the risk stroke and heart attack.  


Appetite


Cooked tomatoes help to improve appetite especially in children. It also helps to get over indigestion and constipation. A glass of tomato juice before an alcoholic drink helps the liver to metabolize alcohol and expel the toxins from the liver.


Prostate Cancer


The anti-oxidant lycopene helps to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer according to the “Journal of National Cancer Institute”


Osteoporosis


Lycopene and other antioxidants help to prevent osteoporosis by reducing the loss of bone mass. Osteoporosis is a degenerative condition which is chronic and occurs without warning. 


Kidney stones and gall stones 


Tomatoes can help to reduce the risk of formation of kidney stones and gall stones. 


Skincare    


Tomatoes contain vitamin C and vitamin D which help to brighten the dull skin. They contain astringents to remove excess oil. They can shrink skin pores. Tomato facial can help to get rid of acne and warts.  A tomato yogurt face mask can help to cool and soften the skin. Tomato juice can be mixed with honey and applied to the face and neck. Wash it off after 15 minutes. It will leave the skin glowing and soft.


For Clear Complexion


Spread tomato pulp on your face and wash it off after one hour. Repeat the process daily. You will find great improvement to your complexion.  


For Sunburn


Mix equal quantities of tomato juice and butter milk and apply it your face. It will help you to get rid of sunburn


These are some of the important health benefits of tomatoes.