Tomatoes
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are soft round (or oval) shaped vegetables with a thin outer skin and small edible seeds in their pulp.
Health benefits of Tomatoes
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Tomatoes
As a rule of thumb, buy firm tomatoes to eat raw and softer tomatoes for cooking. Avoid tomatoes with discolorations or that are too soft.
Climate and origin
The tomato originated in Central and South America and grows in both tropical and temperate climates.
Taste
Tomatoes have a slightly sweet to acidic taste, depending on variety.
Miscellaneous information
A cousin to the tobacco plant, tomatoes contain small amounts of nicotine. Tomatoes are actually fruits in the botanical sense, but are classified as vegetables for all culinary and cooking purposes.
Similar tasting produce
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 18 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.2g | 0% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.03g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 5mg | 0% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 3.9g | 1% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 1.2g | 4% | ||
| Total Sugars 2.6g | 5% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 0.88g | 2% | ||
| Vitamin C 13.7mg | 15% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.27mg | 2% | ||
| Calcium 10mg | 1% | ||
| Potassium 237mg | 5% | ||
| Phosphorus 24mg | 2% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||