Tomatoes Promotes Cardiovascular Health, 5 More Benefits

Known to have originated in the Andes mountains of South America, tomato ‘tamatar’, today is one of the most important vegetable and accompaniment in todays culinary art. Besides its culinary uses, tomatoes also have some potentially amazing health benefits, some of which are mentioned in this article.

Surprisingly, up until 1820’s, a few cultures, especially in North Americas, considered tomatoes to be poisonous and not fit for human consumption. The myth is said to have been busted by one Colonel Johnson who is said to have consumed a full pale of tomatoes, in full public scrutiny, without suffering any ill effects and living to tell the tale.

Tomato, commonly known as ‘tamatar’ in Hindi is a medium-sized vegetable. There are several different varieties of tomatoes available. They vary in shape, size, and colour. They can be red, yellow, orange, green, pink, brown, purple, or black in colour. Tamatar internally has fleshy internal segments with tiny, slippery seeds. Seeds are surrounded by a watery matrix.

# Prevents Cancer

1. The lycopene content of tomatoes is responsible for its anti-cancer properties. Lycopene neutralises the free radicals that are produced in our bodies. High intake of lycopene is associated with a reduced risk of colon, lung, cervical, and oral cancers. Lycopene prevents the further growth of cancer cells.

2. Adiponectin, another compound of tomatoes helps fight cancer.

3. Intake of tomato helps reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

4. The high fibre content of beta-carotene present in tomatoes helps lower the risk of colorectal cancer.

# Promotes cardiovascular health

1. The folate, beta-carotene, and flavonoids content are beneficial for cardiovascular health.

2. The lycopene, vitamin C, and potassium content in tomatoes help in reducing blood pressure.

3. The vitamin A, B, and potassium content found in tomatoes helps in reducing cholesterol levels and prevents heart-related diseases.

4. The potassium content also helps in controlling heart rate.

# Counter the effects Of Cigarette smoke

The vitamin C content of tomato counteracts the excessive production of free radicals produced by smoking.

# Strengthen bones

1. The vitamin C content of tomatoes is helpful for bone formation and the synthesis of connective tissue. The lack of vitamin C leads to underdeveloped bones.

2. Lutein in tomatoes helps promote collagen formation, which boosts bone health.

3. Vitamin K present in tomato plays a crucial role in bone metabolism. It accelerates bone mineral density, thereby decreasing the likelihood of fractures.

4. Tomatoes are a rich source of calcium which enhances bone formation and bone strength.

# Other possible Benefits

Tomato produces several health benefits, apart from the health benefits mentioned above, it also produces a few more such as aids weight loss, improves skin and hair health, beneficial during pregnancy, improves vision, enhances digestive health, prevents urinary stone formation, prevents gallstones, enhances immunity, reduces inflammation, boosts men’s health, enhances brain power, promotes liver health, controls blood sugar, activates digestion, helps to burn fat, prevents eye diseases, prevents blood clots, prevents constipation and prevents early ageing.