Tomato

Tomato 

 

 

Botanically, tomato is a fruit, but eaten and cooked like a vegetable. Tomato is the best source of antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is linked with several health benefits such as reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. It is also a great source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and vitamin K. Nutritional facts of raw tomatoes per 100 grams: 

Carbs present in ripe tomatoes are mostly simple sugars glucose and fructose (70%). Mainly insoluble fibers, including hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin are present in tomatoes. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K1, folate, and potassium. Potassium is beneficial for blood pressure control and prevention from heart disease. Vitamin K is essential for bone health and blood clotting. Folate is needed for normal tissue growth and cell function. It is very important for pregnant women. 

Other plant compounds present in tomatoes are lycopene, beta carotene, naringenin, and chlorogenic acid. Lycopene, a carotenoid, is found in abundance in ripe tomatoes. The highest concentration is on skin.  The more red the tomato, the higher the lycopene content. Consumption of fat with tomato increases the absorption of lycopene upto 4 times. 

One of the leading causes of hospital stay and mortality all over the world is heart attacks and strokes. A study on middle aged men suggested that when the levels of lycopene and beta carotene in blood are low, there is an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. There is some evidence which suggests that supplementation of lycopene may help lower LDL cholesterol. Consumption of tomato is also linked with reduction in both, oxidative stress and inflammation. Lycopene also has a protective effect on the inner layer of blood vessels and may decrease the risk of blood clotting. 

Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Some studies have linked consumption of tomato and tomato product with fewer incidences of prostate, lung, and stomach cancers. High lycopene content of tomato is believed to be behind this benefit, but more extensive human studies are needed to confirm the cause of these benefits. According to a study on women, it was found that high concentrations of carotenoids may protect against breast cancer. 

Tomatoes are beneficial for skin health. Tomato based food products, rich in lycopene may protect against sunburn. 

 

Downsides associated with tomato consumption:

 

Tomatoes are well tolerated generally, and allergy is rare. Individuals allergic to grass pollen are more likely to be allergic to tomatoes. This is called pollen allergy syndrome or oral allergy syndrome.