Some Crucial Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Taste and nutrition as well as the health benefits of tomatoes have been highly valued. Enjoyed all over the world, they are essential ingredients in the diets of many cultures. Yet the plant has a spotty past, including myths, misconceptions and controversy, and the challenges of modern mass production of the tomato continue to spark debate. Yet there is no debate over the intrinsic health benefits of the tomato. The tomato is treasured for its nutritional value as much as for its delicious taste.rnWhile tomatoes can't quite be consumed as a replacement for lycopene capsules, that great antioxidant does feature prominently when you start digging into the health benefits of tomatoes!rnGood dose of vitamins:rnThe nutrients tomatoes contain include a good dose of vitamin A and C. A medium sized tomato can hold up to 40% of the Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin C, and 20% of the RDA of vitamin A. A tomato's vitamin C content increases during the ripening process.rnGreat for weight loss:rnRaw tomatoes - along with other raw vegetables such as carrots, turnips, celery - are great for weight loss, because they stay in the stomach longer and therefore help keep our cravings in check.rnAnd speaking of weight loss, tomatoes are excellent for health-conscious living, as they are sweet but at the same time low in calories!rnHelps digestion along:rnTomatoes in green salad along with your main meal help with the absorption of iron through the stomach lining, a process which is enhanced by an acidic environment. So don't think for a moment that tomatoes in salad are there just for the looks!rnRich in antioxidants:rnTomatoes are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and lycopene. And what's more, lycopene is the most potent antioxidant of any common carotenoid. Consuming tomatoes therefore helps to balance out free radicals that we are exposed to from sources such as cigarette smoke and other pollutants, as well as from sugar in our diet, and exposure to sunlight.rnAnti-thrombotic action:rnIn addition to these antioxidants, tomatoes contain a number of other compounds which are currently being studied for possible health benefits, such as anti-thrombotic action, and improvements to the vascular system.rnOther claimed health benefits of tomatoes:rnTomatoes are credited with many other benefits which may not be scientifically proven (as yet!), but accepted by many tomato enthusiasts around the world. Consuming tomatoes is said to help with eye disorders, night blindness, infection of the urinary tract, liver disorders, jaundice, indigestion, morning sickness, constipation, diarrhea, intestinal disorders, and diabetes.rnTomatoes are a good source of potassium and vitamins, specifically Vitamin A and Vitamin C.rnVitamin A is an antioxidant and comes from the carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, found in tomatoes. As an antioxidant, Vitamin A helps protect your body's cells from free radicals that could damage them. Free radicals are produced when the body breaks down food or by environmental exposures, like radiation and cigarette smoke. But protection against the effects of free radicals is not the only benefit. Vitamin A also impacts healthy vision, bone growth, cell functions, reproduction and immune system function.