Tomato is actually a fruit and not vegetable. Tomatoes can be cooked in many different and interesting ways. At the same time they have many beneficial nutrients for our health. The red color of tomato is due to lycopene it contains. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant with significant beneficial effects on the human body.
What are the main nutrients of tomatoes?
1. Vitamin C
2. Vitamin A
3. Lycopene
4. Iron
5. Potassium
6. Calcium
7. A medium-sized tomato contains about 25 calories, 1 gram protein, 4 grams sugar, 1 gram fiber
When tomatoes are baked or cooked with the food, it releases more lycopene. The breakdown of cell membranes during cooking thus allowing the digestive systems of humans to absorb more lycopene. The same is true for derivatives such as tomato ketchup, tomato juice, paste and sauce. Lycopene is found in many studies to be associated with reduced risk for many diseases.
Epidemiological studies have shown that eating tomatoes is associated with reduced risk for various cancers such as prostate cancer, breast, ovary, mouth and bowel. Other studies have shown that lycopene in tomatoes is associated with less risk for diseases of the heart, blood vessels, with better lung health and reduce risk of blindness in the elderly due to macular degeneration of the eye.
Also the consumption of tomatoes has been associated with less risk for high blood pressure, obesity and constipation.