Surprising health benefits of tomato

Why tomatoes are good for you!

Tomatoes/freedigitalphotos

It is both a fruit and vegetable, the juicy tangy sweet red tomato is a store house of essential nutrients and is an integral part of all cuisines. Regular consumption of tomato provides a great boost to health and also adds to the flavour of the food.

You will be surprised to know that on cooking the fruit becomes -healthier and boosts its cancer-fighting ability. We consume tomatoes in different form such as soup, ketchup, raw or sauce and while relishing that yummy Arabaitta pasta, Aaw decided to lists health benefits of tomatoes to indulge in guilt free pasta eating:

Reduces cholesterol: Regular consumption of tomato has proved to decrease the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. The potassium and vitamin B helps lower blood pressure, prevent strokes, heart attack, and other life-threatening heart problems.

Eyes/pixabay
Eyes/pixabay

Improves vision:  Tomato has Vitamin A which helps in improving vision, preventing night-blindness, and macular degeneration.

For healthy skin and hair: From ages we know that tomatoes make the cheeks red and shiny.  Its juice helps in removing tan, curing sun burns and anti-ageing.  Besides skin the vitamin A also makes the hair strong and luscious.

Controls blood sugar:  The mineral chromium in tomatoes helps to keep blood sugar level under control.

Lowers effect of cigarette smoke:  It doesn’t help you to quit smoking but helps fight against the damaged caused. Coumaric and chlorogenic acid fight against nitrosamines which are produced in the body due to cigarette smoke.

Protects from cancer: Tomatoes are a natural cancer fighter, they help to ward against prostate, stomach and breast cancer. The anti-oxidant acts against cancer-causing free radicals.

Strong bones:  One cup of raw tomato contains almost 18% of the daily value for Vitamin K which helps in blood clotting, controls bleeding and is very good for strengthening and repairing of bones.

Prevents kidney stones and gallstones: Studies suggest that kidney and gall stones are less likely to form in people who eat tomatoes without seeds.

Weight watcher:  High on fibre and water, tomatoes can help you lose weight as it satisfies the hunger pangs without adding many calories.