Tomatoes are a nutrient-dense fruit. They are often referred to as a functional food because they provides more than just nutrition for the body. They can actually prevent illness and disease.
A Rocky Start
About 200 years ago, the tomato was thought to be poisonous. Since the tomato plant belongs to the nightshade family, people believed that the leaves and fruits could not be consumed. Fortunately, that was not the case. It's one of the few nightshade plants that are not poisonous and it's a good thing too, because they contain many nutrients.
What You Get from Tomatoes
When you eat a medium sized tomato, you consume only 22 calories. There's no fat in it, and you only get about 5 grams of carbohydrates. Each tomato has plenty of Vitamins A and C. It also has alpha-lipoic acid, folic acid, beta-carotene, lycopene, choline, and lutein.
Vitamins A and C can help you ward off illnesses because they boost the immune system. Folic acid is a great nutrient to help you stay strong and feeling good.
Alpha-lipoic acid converts glucose in your body to energy. This is what makes you move more easily and have more motivation to move. Since it aids in glucose conversion, it helps many people who are at risk for diabetes. It can also help people control diabetes. Research has found that alpha-lipoic may help preserve brain and nerve tissues as well.
Lycopene is an antioxidant and the nutrient that gives tomatoes their bold, red color. It's also a great way to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. It has been shown to help prevent cancer as well.
The choline in tomatoes helps you sleep better. It has also been shown to help people learn better and remember more. This is probably because it maintains cellular membrane structures and helps the transmission of nerve impulses. Additionally, choline can help promote weight loss because it helps the body absorb fat and reduce inflammation.
Eat Your Daily Tomatoes for Better Health
Tomatoes are highly nutritious. They should be a part of everyone's diet and for most people, they are, with obvious exceptions, such as when people are allergic or if they suffer from arthritic conditions, which may be exacerbated by tomatoes. You don't even have to eat the fruit raw to reap the benefits. Recipes with cooked tomatoes can also deliver the nutrition you need to stay healthy. Everything from pizza sauce to soups can include tomatoes, making them taste great and good for you.
Tasti-Lee for Good Health
Tasti-Lee tomatoes are naturally-developed, vine-ripened tomatoes that not only have all the nutrients we know and love in tomatoes, but also the homegrown taste that is usually lacking in a grocery store tomato. For health, flavor and freshness, go Tasti-Lee! Visit our website to learn more about us: http://tastilee.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Noelle_Renee_Allen
0 comments:
Post a Comment