Tomato Facts You Should Know.

 

 

Tomatoes like cucumbers are wrongly referred to as vegetables by most people because of their culinary uses. However, they are botanically fruits because they have seeds. Tomatoes are used all over the world in various dishes but eating them raw is foreign to a lot of people.

 

I recently discovered that some people have never tasted raw tomatoes. Some have no idea that it can be eaten raw. One of them is my friend who exclaimed and expressed shock when she saw me eating tomatoes yesterday. Her action made me realize that a lot of individuals are not familiar with the health benefits of eating tomatoes. Hence I was inspired to write this. The following are the reasons tomatoes should be eaten more.

 

5 Reasons You Should Eat More Tomatoes

 

• Skincare.

Tomatoes contain lycopene-an antioxidant which is also responsible for their red color. Lycopene is a chief ingredient in many of the skin and facial cleansers we buy every day. Recent research has shown that a combination of tomatoes and olive oil protects the skin from harsh sun rays and aids the production of pro-collagen(a substance in the skin that gives it structure and firmness).

 

• Healthy Vision.

Apart from lycopene, tomatoes also contain beta carotene and lutein. These nutrients are very good for the eyes as they support the vision and protect against eye diseases.

 

• Source of Vitamins.

Tomatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A which is good for the eyes and skin, vitamin K which is good for the bones, and Vitamin C which is essential for the body’s immunity. Just one tomato can provide the body with 40% of the minimum vitamin C recommended in a day.

 

• Cancer Prevention.

Several studies have shown that lycopene in tomatoes can slow the growth of cancerous cells. Eating tomatoes that are high in lycopene can help in reducing your chances of developing prostate or stomach cancer.

 

• Heart care.

Tomatoes help a great deal in caring for the heart. The Vitamin B and potassium in them are effective in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering the blood pressure thereby preventing a heart attack or stroke.

 

If you suffer from digestive problems, you should go easy on tomatoes. Eating too many tomatoes can cause heartburn or acid reflux as a result of the production of excess gastric acid in the stomach.