Because it bears seeds and originates from the ovaries of a flowering plant, a tomato is considered a fruit in the strictest sense of the word. (From a botanical standpoint, vegetables are made up of various plant elements such as roots, leaves, and stems, among others.) Tomatoes, along with seeded cucumbers and zucchini, are classified as vegetables when it comes to nutrients, despite their appearance. This is due in part to the fact that they contain less carbohydrates and sugars: A medium tomato has just 22 calories and around 5 grammes of total carbohydrate, of which 3 grammes are sugar and 1.5 grammes are fibre. However, this low-calorie, low-carbohydrate bundle is packed with nutrients and has been linked to a number of health advantages. Here are seven of them, as well as some straightforward suggestions for including more tomatoes in your regular meals and snacks.
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- A wonderful source of vitamins, tomatoes are a delicious treat
- They are beneficial to cardiovascular health
- Increase the clarity of your eyesight
- Improve the health of your digestive system
- Help with diabetes control is available
- Keep your skin's health in check
- Cancer prevention is important
- How to gain the benefits of tomatoes to the fullest extent possible
A wonderful source of vitamins, tomatoes are a delicious treat
Approximately 40% of the daily necessary minimum amount of vitamin C may be obtained from a single tomato. Also included are vitamins A and K, which are essential for bone health and heart function as well as maintaining healthy blood pressure and fluid balance. Tomatoes are also high in potassium, which is necessary for heart function, muscle contractions, and maintaining healthy blood pressure and fluid balance.
They are beneficial to cardiovascular health
Because tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that is responsible for their red colour, they are a good source of vitamin C. According to research, eating tomatoes and tomato products, rather than taking lycopene pills, is more beneficial in terms of heart health advantages than taking supplements. Other research has shown that greater blood levels of lycopene are associated with decreased mortality rates in persons who have metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors that increases the likelihood of getting heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Increase the clarity of your eyesight
Lycopene is also beneficial to your vision. Tomatoes include not just lycopene, but also lutein and beta-carotene, which are both antioxidants that protect against peepers. According to studies, such nutrients help to maintain good eyesight and prevent eye disorders such as cataracts and macular degeneration (among others).
Improve the health of your digestive system
Tomatoes contain both fluid and fibre, which may be beneficial if you suffer from constipation. A big tomato includes 6 ounces of liquids and 1.5 grammes of fibre, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. It's important to remember that the acidity of cooked tomatoes might cause or aggravate acid reflux and indigestion in certain individuals.
Help with diabetes control is available
Tomatoes may be a beneficial diet for patients with type 2 diabetes, according to research: Cooked tomatoes were shown to reduce lipid peroxidation in adults with diabetes who took part in 30-day research. Lipid peroxidation is a chain reaction in which molecules known as free radicals assault fat, causing damage that increases the risk of heart disease. This is especially essential since diabetes increases the likelihood of having a stroke or heart attack by double.
Keep your skin's health in check
The combination of tomato paste and olive oil, according to 2011 research, both protected against UV damage and increased synthesis of pro-collagen, a chemical that gives the skin its structure and helps it to remain firm and young. Scientists think that the antioxidant lycopene found in tomatoes is responsible. If you cook your tomatoes, they will be concentrated at their greatest concentration, and olive oil will aid in increasing its absorption from the digestive tract into circulation.
Cancer prevention is important
Observational studies have shown a relationship between the superfood ingredient lycopene and lower rates of prostate, ovarian, lung, and stomach cancer, among other malignancies.
How to gain the benefits of tomatoes to the fullest extent possible
The tomato may be included in your diet in a variety of ways, such as fresh or dried fruit or as a sauce, salsa, or paste. This also enables you to enjoy tomatoes throughout the year.
Fresh tomatoes may be used in omelettes and salads, and they can be served sliced, drizzled with balsamic vinegar, and topped with fresh basil, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Sundried tomato pesto may be used to dress fresh greens or steamed vegetables, or it can be drizzled over grilled salmon. Make a sauce out of spaghetti squash or beans and toss it with it, or use it as a topping for sauteed green beans or potatoes. Pour the salsa over scrambled eggs or taco salad, or pour it overcooked salmon, black beans, or brown rice. Use your imagination! Tomato paste may be used in a variety of dishes, such as vegetable chilli or hummus, where it can be combined with roasted garlic and harissa. Excellent aperitif.
