The Hidden Benefits of Tomatoes

By H. Maxwell

Question:
Why do you eat tomatoes?

Answer:
Because it makes my soup look mild and taste great.

That is the reply most women we ask the above question gave until we let them see more valid reasons why they should eat tomatoes. They have been eating tomatoes simply because they were brought up to do so.

Are you among them?
If you answer either 'Yes' or 'No' continue reading and you will see valid reasons why we should eat tomatoes.

Here are 7 good reasons that make tomatoes worth eating

1. Tomatoes help prevent cancer
Although not all types of cancer but cancer such as breast, colorectal, prostate and stomach cancer. This is because of lutein, zeaxanthin and the high level of lycopene which is a natural antioxidant that have the ability to fight cancer causing cells.

2. Tomatoes are good for your heart
Tomatoes lowers blood pressure and also reduces cholesterol level because of its Vitamin B and potassium. It also prevent life threatening heart problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

3. Improve your vision
Macular degeneration can be prevented using lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin. The only carotenoids found in the rectina and lens of the eyes are lutein and zeaxanthin, these two carotenoids apart from filtering light also remove rays that can damage eye tissue and eye related diseases. No cause for alarm, lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin are found in tomatoes

4. Fight inflammation
Quercetin and kaempferol are two major flavonoids in tomato skin, that have the ability to counter inflammation.

5. Makes hair healthier
The appearance and texture of your hair can be improved by drinking tomato juice. Tomato juice revitalize hair growth and strengthen tufts of hair.

6. Increases capacity to burn fat
Carnitine is an amino acid that has the ability to increase the capacity for the body to burn fat by about 30%. Tomatoes with all stimulate the production of carnitine.

7. Fights constipation
When you eat foods that are high in fibre and water content you will have regular bowel movement and you will be well hydrated this fighting constipation. Tomatoes are high in fibre and water content.

Nutritional composition of tomatoes
Calories 18
Water 95%
Protein 0.9 g
Fiber 1.2 g
Fat 0.2 g
Saturated 0.03 g
Carbs 3.9 g
Sugar 2.6 g
Monounsaturated 0.03 g
Polyunsaturated 0.08 g
Omega-3 0 g
Omega-6 0.08 g http://www.maxhplanet.blogspot.com