Tomatoes

Tomatoes are found world wide but are native to South America. Tomatoes are a fruit from the nightshade family, even though it is legally, in 1893, the US Supreme Court declared it a vegetable. History shows tomatoes in the diet since 500bc in the people of southern Mexico. Once brought to Europe, its use spread throughout to other parts of the world. Tomatoes have a wide variety of colors and flavors, but also offer a significant number of health benefits. 

Tomatoes look like a “heart” when ripe, thus God pointed out its benefits for the heart. Tomatoes big claim to fame is its lycopene, which reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Lycopene reduces the risk for developing prostate, colorectal and stomach cancer as this antioxidant slows the growth of the abnormal cells. In addition the lycopene in the tomatoes help to protect the skin from harmful effects of the sun. Tomatoes’ vitamin A content contributes to the overall health of the skin as well as improvement in the eye for night vision and supports its structure. Tomatoes contain calcium and vitamin K which strengthen and repair bone tissues. Tomatoes contain vitamin B and potassium which helps to reduce cholesterol and lowers blood pressure. In addition to the vitamins and minerals noted, tomatoes are high in fiber and low in calories, they have no fat and have many other vitamins and minerals: vitamin C, folate, beta-carotene to name a few. Raw or cooked, Tomatoes have many reasons to be consumed as a weekly part of your nutritious diet of fruits and vegetables.