04/11/2022
3 Reasons Why You Should Eat Fresh Tomatoes
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Although the fresh tomatoes are regarded as being fruits botanically, they are eaten and prepared like a vegetable.
Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which helps to mitigate the health effects of few health challenges like heart disease and cancer.
They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.
Nutrition Facts About Fresh Tomatoes
- The water content of tomatoes is around 95%. The other 5% consists mainly of carbohydrates and fiber.
- Tomatoes are a good source of fiber, providing about 1.5 grams per average-sized tomato.
- Tomatoes are a good source of several vitamins and minerals:
a. Vitamin C. This vitamin is an essential nutrient and antioxidant.
b. Potassium. An essential mineral, potassium is beneficial for blood pressure control and heart disease prevention.
c. Vitamin K1. Also known as phylloquinone, vitamin K is important for blood clotting and bone health.
d. Folate (vitamin B9). One of the B vitamins, folate is important for normal tissue growth and cell function. It’s particularly important for pregnant women.
The Main Plant Constituents In Tomatoes:
1. Lycopene. The red pigment and antioxidant that is found to be good for our health.
2. Beta carotene. An antioxidant that often gives foods a yellow or orange hue, beta carotene is converted into vitamin A in your body.
3. Naringenin. It is found in tomato skin, this flavonoid has been shown to decrease inflammation and protect against various diseases in mice.
4. Chlorogenic acid. A powerful antioxidant compound, chlorogenic acid may lower blood pressure in people.
Why We should Eat Fresh Tomatoes
Consumption of tomatoes and tomato-based products has been linked to
- Improved skin health and
- A lower risk of heart disease and
- A lower risk of cancer.
Tomato-based foods rich in lycopene and other plant compounds may protect against sunburn.
The reverse is that most people go for canned tomatoes instead, because they are processed already. Let's endeavour to use fresh tomatoes more than we use canned tomatoes.
© Grace Harrison I.