Fit Head 2 Toe : Juicy health benefits of tomatoes

Sunday 1 September 2013

Juicy health benefits of tomatoes

Tomato goodness

Fruit or Vegetable? Its for you to decide. Either way tomatoes are a great source of nutrition. You may eat them raw or cooked, which ever way they remain true to their delicious taste. Below is a list of health benefits of tomatoes.

1.Prevent DNA Damage

Tomatoes are high in important antioxidants such as vitamin C and Vitamin A. These vitamins work to fend of DNA damage from free radicals. Consequently, tomatoes may help to ward off age related diseases such as diabetes.

2. Protect Against Thrombosis (blood clots in the blood vessels)

Another study showed that drinking 8 ounces of tomato juice daily reduced platelet aggregation significantly, among study subjects. Those drinking a placebo showed no benefit. It’s important to drink low-sodium tomato juice if you are trying to protect against thrombosis.

4. Decreases risk of prostate cancer

Tomato contains amazing amounts of lycopene which is said to have anti oxidant properties. Studies have shown that tomato can reduce prostate cancer especially in synergy with broccoli. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggested that ‘the intake of tomatoes and tomato products is associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. This benefit may be related to the antioxidant properties of lycopene, but other potential mechanisms and other beneficial tomato-based components instead of or combined with lycopene cannot be excluded’.

5. Tomatoes work against impotency and help increase the sperm count.

6. Tomatoes are powerful blood purifiers and clear up urinary tract infections.

7. Tomatoes are widely used in the manufacturing of skin care and beauty products as they are good for improving skin porosity.

Types of tomatoes

Ball’s Beefsteak

Very large flattened, solid, meaty juicy bright red fruits, weigh up to 2 lbs., excellent slicer with rich sub-acid flavor.