Tomatoes have a wide range of beneficial effects to the humans due to the presence of a number of nutrients in them. It is a good source of copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, pantothenic acid, thiamine, and vitamin K, besides, folate, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin, B6, and vitamin C. They are rich in anti-oxidants that have anti-carcinogenic properties. Other benefits are related to blood circulation improved cardiovascular system, skin care and immunity. Recent research work carried out in Japan has confirmed its role in the reduction of BP and improving the heart condition of people who have a heart condition.
Consumed in many ways, raw or cooked, in many dishes, sauces, salads, and drinks, tomatoes go by their botanical name lycopersicon esculentum and are fruits botanically classified as berries. They are commonly used as a vegetable ingredient or side dish or paste in Pizza. In South India, it is a common vegetable item in the lunch, particularly, in preparing tomato rasam which is quite famous after Mysore rasam.
The edible tomato is often red, berry of the plant Solanum lycopersicum and the it is original origin is western South America. The Spanish word Tomate came from Nahuatl (Aztec language) and the English word was derived from the Spanish. The Spanish began to use tomato as a cultivated food upon seeing the native Mexicans using it and this happened during the Spanish colonization and later tomato was introduced in Europe. The colonial Europe was instrumental in introducing Tomato in the 16th century in their colonies across the world. Its presence is strong in Italy and in the Mediterranean and now it is a staple item in many European cuisines. India is the 3rd largest producer of tomatoes with more than 18 million tons per year. Quite popular for nutritional value, it is rich in potassium and other vitamins including A and C.
The recent research study done by Tokyo Medical and dental university, Japan has reported in the Food Science and Nutrition magazine on Tomatoes and their health benefits to the humans. The report points out that unsalted tomato juice may lower the BP and Cholesterol, benefiting those at the risk of Cardiovascular diseases. The conclusion was made based on 184 males and 297 female participants in the research study. Throughout the year, they were given unsalted tomato juice with no limit. At the end of the year, they surprisingly found out that in the case of 94 participants who were not treated for pre-hypertension or hypertension, the BP dropped significantly to a lower level. Tomato has numerous health benefits when consumed regularly and the confirmed one being lowering of Cholesterol and blood pressure. Besides, medication, if you take a glass of one or two tomato juice a day, you will be in good nick helth-wise with supplementary benefits!!
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