5 Major Healthy Benefits Of Tomatoes

The tomato is a wonderfully popular and versatile fruit that comes in a numerous varieties that vary in shape, size and color. They include; green tomato, small cherry tomatoes, bright yellow tomatoes and Italian pear-shaped tomatoes.

They are prepared and served like other vegetables, which is why they are normally categorized as such though in actuality, they are citrus fruits. Only the fruits of these plants can be eaten as their leaves may contain concentrations of certain problematic alkaloids.

You should choose the right tomatoes to be able to enjoy them fully. The best tomatoes should be well shaped and smooth skinned with no cracks, wrinkles, bruises or even a puffy appearance. They should also be well stored to avoid rotting. Due to its acidity content, they are well stored in cans.

There are various tomato products in the market for consumers such as tomato ketchup, tomato sauce. There are 5 major health benefits associated with tomatoes.

· Reduce heart diseases

Tomatoes are known to have potassium as well as nutrients such as niacin and vitamin B 6 that are associated with reducing cardiovascular events such as heart disease. Lycopene rich foods such as tomato juice, tomato sauce, pizza and even tomato fruits also help in reducing cardiovascular diseases.

· Prevent DNA damage

Tomatoes contain antioxidants such as vitamin c which help in preventing damage to ones DNA and even ward off age related diseases like diabetes. They help mop up damaging free radicals in the body that can harm your body.

· Ward off cancer

Tomatoes are known to contain a substance called lycopene which produces the cancer protective effect. It is known to help in the fight against pancreatic, prostate, lung and even stomach cancer.

This substance is also responsible for its red color. Lycopene as well as carotenoid phytochemicals are better absorbed by the human body when cooked with olive oil. Organic tomatoes have higher concentrations of lycopene.

· Healthy bones

Tomatoes contribute to formation of healthy bones and even help keep your blood vessels quite flexible. This is because they are a good source of potassium citrate and vitamin k.

In addition to that, tomatoes help reducing high blood pressure as it contains potassium citrate. Tomato consumption is also known to lower the risk of getting osteoporosis; a brittle bone disease that may lead to bone fractures, disability and deformity.

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