Natural Wonders: Tomato

Natural Wonders: Tomato

They are sweet, juicy, delicious, and considered to be one of world’s healthiest foods! Umm, wondering what we are talking about? Yes, you are right, we are talking about tomatoes!

Did you know that tomatoes are also called ‘love apples’? It was a name that the French adoringly gave this lovely fruit in the 16th century!

Well, what’s not to adore about tomatoes – they are fat-free, low in calories and packed with vitamins C. However, there’s more to these tomatoes. Today, let’s take a look at why this fruit is considered so amazingly healthy.

Health benefits of tomatoes

Tomatoes are loaded with vitamin A, C, K, folate and potassium. They also provide magnesium, copper, vitamin B6 and thiamin. As tomatoes are high in water content, they are quite filling and protect you against heart disease, strokes, blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Tomatoes are great for your skin. The beta-carotene found in tomatoes protect your skin from sun damage. Also, lycopene, the anti-oxidant which givestomato its colour stops the occurrence of fine lines and wrinkles.

This fruit/vegetable is also good for your bones. The vitamin K and calcium in tomatoes are excellent for strengthening and repairing your bones. And so, eating tomatoes is a great way to keep osteoporosis at bay!

Tomatoes are cancer fighters, thanks to the lycopene in it! It helps reduce the risk of cancers such as throat, esophagus, stomach, colon, prostate and ovarian cancer.