Health Benefits of Tomato

Like the Potato and Eggplant, The tomato is a member of the nightshade family. it's the fruit of vine native to South America. Tomato is one of the America's favourite fruit. Dozens of tomato varieties are available based on its size , shape and colour. Few varieties are Cherry tomato, Yellow pear tomato, Green tomato and so on.

Whether you refer to a tomato as a fruit or a vegetable, there is no doubt that a tomato is a nutrient-dense, super-food that most people should be eating more of.

Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins A and C and folic acid. Tomatoes contain a wide array of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, including alpha-lipoid acid, lycopene, choline, folic acid, beta-carotene and lutein

• Tomatoes contains a considerable amount of calcium and Vitamin K which are essential in strengthening and performing minor repairs on the bones as well as the bone tissues.

• Inaddition to those nutrients, tomatidine (a by-product of the body's digestion of the alpha-tomatine) found in tomatoes - is a small molecule helps to build up and create muscle growth.

• Tomato is always considered as legitimate super food. It is perfect vegetable that can help shed excess pounds and control patients weight. It is rich in Vitamin C , Lycopene and acidity, etc.., Therefore eating correct tomato is good to help treat kidney disease to some extent.
• Tomato also contains some substances that can function as a diuretic, so for people with kidney disease, they can increase their urine volume to remove more wastes and toxins from the body. It is good for people with early stage kidney disease and nephritis.
• Anaemia is a very common symptom of kidney disease. Tomato adding milk is a great source of iron, so that it can help remit patients’ anaemia.

• Tomatoes are rich in Vitamin B and contains considerable amount of Potassium, these two nutrients acts effectively to reduce cholesterol levels and lowering the blood pressure. Therefore Tomatoes in your daily diet prevent heart attacks and strokes.
• Lycopene is signature carotenoid present in tomatoes which clearly states that higher the blood lycopene and lower the heart attack. So intake of tomatoes which contains so many nutrients result in preventing heart disease.

• The Vitamin A present in tomatoes acts effectively for improving your vision. In addition, daily intake of tomatoes helps to prevent the development of night blindness.
• Lycopene present in ocular tissues helps to prevent light-induced damage to the retina and other areas of the eye.

Processed tomato products or fresh tomatoes eaten with a little olive oil will help boost the absorption of lycopene. Researchers say eating foods rich in antioxidants is better than taking supplements

• As an excellent source of the strong antioxidants. It can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer.
• Lycopene present in tomatoes helps to prevent prostrate cancer( proven in several studies)
• Beta-carotene consumptions has been shown to have inverse association with the development of colon cancer.

• Adequate intake of folic acid(present in tomatoes) intake is essential for pregnant women to protect against neural tube defects in infants.

28 oz. can of whole, peeled tomatoes or 2 lbs. (32 oz.) fresh diced tomatoes

1/4 tsp. (1.25ml) of allspice

1/4 tsp. (1.25ml) of celery seed

1/4 tsp. (1.25ml) of chile flakes or cayenne pepper

1 cinnamon stick

3 whole cloves

1 medium onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed

1/2 tsp (2.5ml) of mustard seed

1/4 cup (2 oz.) of brown sugar

1/2 cup (4 oz.) of white vinegar

1 1/2 tsp (7.5ml) of salt

Making tomato ketchup at home is a healthier alternative to processed ketchup. By preparing it yourself, you'll limit the amount of chemical additives and preservatives in your everyday life.

Preparation:

• Place a 28 oz. can of whole, peeled tomatoes or 2 lbs. (32 oz.) of fresh diced tomatoes in a large pot.
• Add 1/4 tsp. (1.25ml) of allspice, 1/4 tsp. (1.25ml) of celery seed and 1/4 tsp. (1.25ml) of chilly flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Mix in 1 cinnamon stick, 3 whole cloves, 1 medium chopped onion, 1 peeled and crushed garlic clove and 1/2 tsp. (2.5ml) of mustard seed.
• Cook over medium heat and stir occasionally for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the onions are soft.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool.
• Put the mixture into a blender or food processor.
• Depending on the size of your blender or food processor, you may have to do this in a few small batches.
• Blend on high speed for about 1 minute or until pureed
• Strain through a small holed strainer or cheesecloth, squishing well.
• You may choose to skip this step if you prefer a heartier ketchup with more pulp.
• Return the strained liquid back to the pot.
• Add 1/4 cup (2 oz.) of brown sugar, 1/2 cup (4 oz.) of white vinegar and 1 1/2 tablespoon (7.5ml) of salt to your tomato mixture.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches the desired thickness.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool.
• Transfer to a glass jar or storage container with a lid.
• Keep in the refrigerator.
• Use within 3 weeks.