Tomato Benefits
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Tomato benefits are well-recognized the world over. This bright red fruit contains a host of healthy substances and compounds that are believed to be primarily beneficial to the circulatory and nervous systems. It also imparts ample protection to the body's immune system.
The tomato refers to the edible fruit of the herbaceous and sprawling plant bearing the scientific name solanum lycopersicum. The tomato fruit possesses a vividly red color when ripe but usually starts out yellow, orange or green. The tomato has fleshy internal segments that contain slippery seeds surrounded by a watery matrix. |
 The tomato is considered a fruit in the botanical sense, but it possesses a savory taste and flavor. This is quite distinct from the sweet taste that characterizes most other fruits. It savory flavor is complemented by a slightly bitter and acidic taste.
Though it can be eaten raw, tomato is often consumed in the form of puree or sauces typically added to various dishes, from spaghetti to stews, salads and salsas. Tomato-based dishes are most commonly eaten in the Meditteranean region, the Middle East, & Central and South America.
Tomato plants typically reach a height of 3 to 10 feet. These have weak, woody stems that often vine over other plants. The leaves of the tomato plant are typically 4 to 10 inches long, with 5 to 9 leaflets on petioles, and each leaflet measures up to 3 inches long. The flowers of the tomato plant are typically 0.4 to 0.8 inches, are yellow in color, and have five pointed lobes on the corolla.
One of the most well-known health food benefits of tomato is its lycopene content. Lycopene is an important antioxidant that aids in strengthening the immune system and aids in the fight against cancerous cell formation. Lycopene helps combat the destructive free radicals that form from the oxidative processes in the body.
Aside from lycopene, the following are the health food vitamins, minerals and nutrients found in the tomato:
The following are the tomato benefits that may be derived from eating this superfood:
Tomato may help in the prevention of heart diseases. Tomato may help in the prevention of strokes. Tomato may help lower the risk of cancers, especially cervical, colon, rectal, stomach and oral cancer. Tomato may help in the cleansing and purification of blood. Tomato may help enhance the health of the skin. Tomato may help strengthen the immune system and thereby fight against diseases and disorders caused by viruses and bacteria. Tomato may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases. |
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