Cruciferous Vegetables
CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES Cruciferous vegetables, also known as Brassica vegetables, are a type of nutritious plant…
About Tomato
Scientifically known as Solanum lycopersicum; tomatoes are red fruit berries that are used as a vegetable for culinary purpose. It is consumed in diverse ways be it raw or in cooked form and is cultivated across the world due to its high demand and consumption. Tomatoes are originated from South America from the lands of Chile, Eucador, Peru and other native lands. The Aztec civilization from Mexico called it ‘’tomatl’’ which translates to a ‘fruit that swells’ in English. The Spanish explorers in 1500’s bought seeds from Mexico to their home town and introduced it to the world and other European civilization. This fruit when first developed were smaller in size and pungent in taste which in due course of time because of fertilization and better cultivation grew bigger in size and better in taste.
Tomato Nutrition Value
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Tomato Benefits
Interesting Facts
The French used to refer to the tomato as the “apple of love.”
Tomato for Athletes
Tomato juice is ideal for athletes as it quickly replenishes lost nutrients and sodium
Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage Of RDA |
Energy | 18 Kcal | 1% |
Carbohydrates | 3.9 g | 3% |
Protein | 0.9 g | 1.6% |
Total Fat | 0.2 g | 0.7% |
Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 3% |
Vitamins | ||
Folates | 15 µg | 4% |
Niacin | 0.594 mg | 4% |
Pyridoxine | 0.080 mg | 6% |
Thiamin | 0.037 mg | 3% |
Vitamin A | 833 IU | 28% |
Vitamin C | 13 mg | 21.5% |
Vitamin E | 0.54 mg | 4% |
Vitamin K | 7.9 µg | 6.5% |
Electrolytes | ||
Sodium | 5 mg | >1% |
Potassium | 237 mg | 5% |
Minerals | ||
Calcium | 10 mg | 1% |
Iron | 0.3 mg | 4% |
Magnesium | 11 mg | 3% |
Manganese | 0.15 mg | 6.5% |
Phosphorus | 24 mg | 3% |
Zinc | 0.17 mg | 1.5% |
Phyto-nutrients | ||
Carotene-ß | 449 µg | — |
Carotene-a | 101 µg | — |
Lutein-zeaxanthin | 123 µg | — |
Lycopene | 2573 µg | — |
Tomatoes are high in nutrition value and there are no doubts about its credibility. Tomato contains anti oxidants and lycopene;a compound that is known for its anti cancer properties. This vegetable can evade the dangers of prostate cancer, stomach cancer and colorectal cancer. Lycopene is also very useful in treating skin burns caused by sun and removal of tan. They are much better and safer than over the counter medicines. Tomatoes are also a very rich source of calcium and vitamin K both known for good bone health; maintaining the body frame. Couramic acid and cholrogenic acid present in tomatoes helps to reduce the damage caused by carcinogenic substance that are by products of smoking. Eating tomatoes will not give you benefits of a non smoker but will definitely reduce the damage caused by smoking. Vitamin B and potassium present in tomato is the ingredient to good health as it helps in lowering cholesterol and keeps the blood pressure under control.
When all these parameters are under check,the heart functions smoothly without any problems that is life threatening. One stop ingredient for good hair, eyes and skin is tomato; as it rich in vitamin A tomato are proven to be a secret beauty hack. Vitamin A also prevents night blindness so eating tomato is a must for a healthy eye sight.
How To Enjoy Tomatoes
Tomatoes are widely consumed in every part of the world. Tomatoes can be added to salads, the famous tomato and feta cheese salad is a delight on plate. Tomatoes can be added in chunks in fresh green salads and dressed with olive oil. Pureed tomatoes can be used as a sauce for making pasta or making a base for the pizza. Cherry tomatoes or sun dried tomatoes go really well in hand tossed pizza or baked ravioli in red sauce.
Tomatoes are used to make the spicy salsa dip that is accompaniment to breads, croutons and chips. Tomato slices added to sandwiches and subs make it a fresh and light and favourite on the move snack. Tomato soup is a classic that one can never go wrong with it. Tomato ketchup a food that is processed and preserved is renowned worldwide and can be eaten with almost everything. It is a lifeline for every fast food lover.