The tomato is an edible berry. They are considered as vegetables. Tomatoes are a significant source of umami flavor. According to studies, the inner pulp has a deeper umami taste than the outer flesh. Tomatoes come in the color range of red, yellow, black, pink, green, purple, white, brown, and orange. And red is the most common variety worldwide. While some of the most popular variants include tomberries, plum tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, and grape tomatoes.
They can be consumed in many ways such as raw or cooked, in sauces, salads, or drinks. Tomatoes are rice with a substance called lycopene. This gives them their bright red color and protects them from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. In the same way, it can help protect your cells from damage. Tomatoes are a great source of potassium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamins B, and E.
Nutrition facts about tomato
100 g of raw tomato contains the following nutritional facts:
- Calories: 18 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3.8 g
- Sugars: 2.5 g
- Dietary fiber: 1.2 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Protein: 0.8 g
- Vitamin B6: 0.08 mg
- Vitamin C: 14 mg
- Vitamin E: 0.54 mg
- Vitamin K: 7.8 μg
- Calcium: 10 mg
- Iron: 0.26 mg
- Magnesium: 10 mg
- Manganese: 0.113 mg
- Phosphorus: 24 mg
- Potassium: 235 mg
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Zinc: 0.15 mg
Health benefits of tomatoes
1. Support Weight Loss
According to research, consuming tomato juice can reduce body weight, body fat, and waist circumference. This juice can even help in cholesterol reduction which apparently contributes to maintaining weight. This vegetable is a good source of fiber and is low in calories. However, tomatoes help in weight loss.
2. Improve Vision
Tomatoes contain vitamin A, which supports eye health. The retinas of our eyes depend on vitamin A and deficiency of this vitamin can cause blindness with time. A compound found in this vegetable called lycopene counters free radical damage, which can affect one’s eyes. It also protects the eyes from sun damage. Tomato even contains vitamin C and copper. It helps produce melanin, the black pigment in the eyes.
3. Improve Digestive Health
The benefit of tomato is attributed to its chloride content, an essential component of digestive juices. According to research, lycopene present in tomatoes helps in preventing gastric cancer. The tomato has both soluble and insoluble fiber that supports gut health. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods such as tomatoes can also help an individual deal with gastritis, it is a condition in which the stomach lining is inflamed.
4. Improve Immune System
According to studies, consuming tomatoes can enhance the functioning of the white blood cells. These white blood cells are known for fighting infections. Lycopene present in tomatoes can enhance this ability of the white blood cells.
5. Oral Health
Fresh vs Canned Tomato