TOMATO

      Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), a flowering plant in the dog family (Solanaceae) is widely grown for its edible fruit. Tomatoes are labeled as a vegetable for dietary use and are a good source of vitamin C and the phytochemical lycopene. The fruit is usually eaten raw in salads, served as a cooked vegetable, used as an ingredient in various prepared foods and pickled. In addition, most of the world's tomato harvest is used for processing; Products include canned tomatoes, tomato juice, ketchup, purees, pasta, and dried or pureed tomatoes.

 

Description : 

     Tomato plants are generally much branched, spreading 60–180 cm (24–72 inches) and somewhat trailing when fruiting, but a few forms are compact and upright. Leaves are more or less hairy, strongly odorous, pinnately compound, and up to 45 cm (18 inches) long. The five-petaled flowers are yellow, 2 cm (0.8 inch) across, pendant, and clustered. Fruits are berries that vary in diameter from 1.5 to 7.5 cm (0.6 to 3 inches) or more. They are usually red, scarlet, or yellow, though green and purple varieties do exist, and they vary in shape from almost spherical to oval and elongate to pear-shaped. Each fruit contains at least two cells of small seeds surrounded by jellylike pulp.

 

Nutrition :

100gm Of Tomato Provide :

• Water : 94.52gm
• Energy : 18
• Protein : 0.88gm
• Fat : 0.2gm
• Carbs : 3.89gm
• Fiber : 1.2gm
• Sugar : 2.63gm

Vitamin & Minerals :

• Thiamin
• Riboflavin
• Niacin
• Pantothenic Acid
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B6
• Folates
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin K
• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Zinc
• Copper
• Manganese 

 

Benefits :

Antioxidant Potential :
     Tomatoes contain large amounts of lycopene, a carotenoid and antioxidant which is very effective in eliminating free radicals. This benefit can even be obtained from heat-treated tomato products such as tomato sauce.

Rich Source Of Vitamins & Minerals :
     One tomato provides about 40% of the daily requirement of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that can prevent free radicals from damaging the body's own systems. It can also contain vitamin A and potassium, as well as iron. Potassium can play an important role in maintaining healthy nerves, and iron is essential in maintaining normal blood circulation. Vitamin K is also abundant in tomatoes, which is important for blood clotting and bleeding control, it is also found in tomatoes.

Protect Heart :
     Lycopene in tomatoes can prevent the oxidation of serum lipids and thus have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease. Regular consumption of tomatoes or tomato juice can lower levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, according to the British Journal of Nutrition. These lipids can be a major cause of cardiovascular disease and cause the deposition of fat in the blood vessels.

Improve Eyesight :
     The vitamin A found in tomatoes can help improve vision and prevent night blindness and macular degeneration. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that can be made from excess beta-carotene in the body. Many vision problems can result from the negative effects of free radicals, so as a powerful antioxidant, vitamin A can help prevent them.

Help In Digestion :
     Tomatoes can maintain a healthy digestive system by preventing digestive problems. In addition, they can contain large amounts of fiber, which can fill the intestines and relieve constipation symptoms. A healthy amount of fiber can help stimulate peristaltic movement of digestive smooth muscles and expel gastric and digestive juices. It can regulate your bowel movements, thereby improving your overall digestive health and helping prevent health problems.

Lower High Blood Pressure :
     Frequent eating of tomatoes can reduce the risk of hypertension, which is also called high blood pressure. This may be partly due to the impressive potassium content of tomatoes. Potassium is a vasodilator, which means it can reduce tension in blood vessels and arteries, thereby increasing blood flow and reducing stress on the heart by lowering high blood pressure.

Treat Diabetes:
     A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that consuming tomatoes daily can help reduce oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes, and consuming lycopene can increase plasma levels of this compound. However, more research is needed to establish a link between lycopene intake and the risk of developing diabetes.

Help Skin Care :
     Tomatoes can help maintain healthy teeth, bones, hair, and skin. Topical application of tomato juice is known to cure severe sunburn. Daily consumption can protect the skin from erythema caused by UV rays. They play an important role in the manufacture of anti aging products.

Prevent Gallstones :
     Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and can also help relieve gallstones. There are various studies showing its effectiveness against many chronic diseases. Tomato antioxidant properties can also be obtained from processed foods such as tomato sauce and puree. Consumption of tomatoes every day can meet the needs of vitamins and minerals and has a comprehensive protective effect on the body.