Thursday, September 27, 2012

Tomatoes Health Benefits

Tomato is a member of the Solanaceae or nightshade family, which also includes chili peppers, potatoes, and eggplant. It is often considered as a vegetable, but the tomato is definitely a fruit.

Native to South, West, and Central America, tomatoes are now grown worldwide as the front line fruit in line with chili, onions, etc. The tomatoes are not only a tasty addition to meal time, but they're also packed with many nutritional benefits.
One of the most well known tomato eating benefit is its' Lycopene content. Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment associated with the rich red color of tomatoes. Lycopene plays a vital role in the prevention of several different types of cancers including breast cancer, cervical cancer, skin cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.

Tomatoes also contain beta carotene and vitamin A, both of which are needed in maintaining our eye health. This will help protect your eyes against age-related macular degeneration.

Another benefit of tomatoes is its natural antioxidants properties which may help in keeping the body from free radical damage by strengthening the body immune system.

Tomatoes are also good source of vitamin K and calcium which are essential nutrients to keep your bones strong and healthy.  

More: 15 Health Benefits of Tomatoes