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Tomatoes and Their Health Benefits
Commonly mistaken for a vegetable, the tomato is scientifically classified as a fruit. It is native to South America and is now commercially grown worldwide. There are about 7,500 varieties of tomatoes. These are categorized based on their size and shape. Tomatoes range from tiny grape tomatoes to larger varieties that weigh over three pounds.
Some of the commonest varieties of tomatoes include: slicing or globe tomatoes, which are largely used for commercial purposes; beefsteak tomatoes, the largest in the tomato family and commonly used in sandwiches; oxheart tomatoes, which are shaped like large strawberries; paste or plum tomatoes, which are mainly used for producing tomato sauce and paste; and cherry tomatoes which are small, sweet and round tomatoes often used in vegetable salads.
Besides their culinary applications, tomatoes contain many nutrients that promote better health. These nutrients include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, dietary fiber, protein and powerful natural antioxidants like lycopene, carotene and anthocyanin. Here is a list of some of the health benefits that the tomato offers.
Benefits of Tomatoes
- Tomatoes contain high amounts of Vitamin C. This strengthens the body's immunity against various illnesses and diseases. Tomatoes provide about 40 percent of the required daily intake of Vitamin C. So consuming a glass of tomato juice or adding some tomato to your meal could go a long way in preventing common cold and the flu.
- Tomatoes contain chlorogenic acid and coumaric acid. Some researches show that these substances can block the effects of nitrosamines -- the strongest carcinogens found in tobacco smoke. By increasing tomato consumption, you could significantly lower your chances of developing lung cancer and lung disease, especially if you are a smoker.
- Tomatoes are rich in an antioxidant called lycopene. This helps in the neutralization of free radicals and harmful toxins that are usually responsible for causing cell and tissue damage in the body. Recent studies have established that lycopene is a more powerful antioxidant than even beta-carotene. Regular consumption of tomatoes could thus retard aging and prevent various cancers.
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