Tomato is a very common fruit that could be found in almost every marketplace in everycountry, although it may differ in size. In my country, tomato usually has the size of a tennis ball, has a red, smooth texture contains alot of water and taste a little bit sour, sweet and refreshing.

Tomatoes contain four major carutenoids: alpha carotene, beta carotene, lutein, and lycopene. All of these carutenoids have individual health benefits and they offer great health advantages when they all work together. The red pigment contained in the tomatoes is Lycopene. Lycopene is one of the strongest antioxidants and it is very beneficial when it comes down to neutralizing free radicals which damage the cells in the body. Lycopene is also very beneficial when it comes down to heart health, prostate health and pancreatic health. A study has shown that men, who consumed ten tomatoes per week, reduced their chances of developing prostate cancer by an overwhelming forty-five percent. Other studies indicated that people who consumed more than seven servings of raw tomatoes lowered their risk of developing stomach, rectal or colon cancers by sixty percent.

The prevention of lung cancer is yet another health benefit of consuming tomatoes. Recent studies show that tomatoes contain two important compounds, coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid. These two compounds block some of the carcinogens that are found in tobacco. When these carcinogens are blocked, our bodies are protected from second hand smoke and we are less likely to develop lung cancer. And last but certainly not least, tomatoes are extremely rich in potassium, something that many of us lack in our daily diets. For instance, a single cup of tomato juice contains 534 milligrams of potassium. Clearly, with all of these health benefits, many of us should incorporate more tomatoes into our diets.

Tomato components and their associated health benefits include:

  • Vitamin C. An essential vitamin that also acts as an antioxidant. It may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Vitamin C helps form connective tissue, keeps capillaries healthy to help prevent easy bruising, and keeps the gums healthy. It also helps the body access iron from non heme, or plant, sources.
  • Vitamin A. An essential vitamin important in maintaining normal cellular growth. It aids in the development of healthy skin, hair and mucous membranes. It also aids proper vision, development of bones and teeth and reproduction. Tomatoes contain beta-carotene, a phytochemical that the body converts into vitamin A after it is consumed.
  • Vitamin K. A vitamin important to maintain blood clotting, thus helping to prevent hemorrhaging (excessive, uncontrollable bleeding). Vitamin K is also important to maintain bone health through the act of mineralization. Vitamin K may be obtained from foods such as tomatoes, but may also be produced by bacteria in the intestines.
  • Potassium. An essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and aids muscle contractions. It may reduce the risk of kidney stones and bone loss.

Coronary Heart diseases

Studies have shown that consuming tomatoes and tomato products containing lycopene reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The tomato help to dissolve animal fat in foods such as in butter, cheese, eggs, pork, beef, and many deep-fried foods, thereby preventing hardening of the arteries.
Tomato is also useful in reducing high blood pressure, a major risk factor for coronary heart diseases and stroke.
Lycopene, present in abundance in red tomatoes, is a potent antioxidant. Recent research has demonstrated that lycopene is at least twice as effective as b-carotene in protecting blood lymphocytes from NO2 radical damage.

Lycopene is found to reduce LDL oxidation more effectively than beta-carotene. Scientists have found that a combination of lycopene with vitamin E prevents LDL oxidation more effectively than each substance separately.

A clinical study showed that Lithuanians who suffered a high rate of mortality from coronary heart disease has a low blood lycopene levels.

In one clinical trial, 6 healthy males were given 60 mg of lycopene daily for a three month period. Their plasma LDL cholesterol concentration reduced by 14%. Thus, in addition to protecting LDL from oxidation, tomato’s lycopene also inhibits cholesterol synthesis.

Dried tomato prevents diarrhea

In 1946, Dr. Lester M. Morrison of the Philadelphia General Hospital, described the successful use of tomato pomace in more than 100 cases of diarrhea in the American Journal of Digestive Diseases. He reported that diarrhea from simple, or non-organic cause can be stopped within 4 hours by the tomato treatment.

He used tomato pomace, prepared by dehydrating tomato pulp. Tomato pomace relieved diarrhea from food poisoning, mucous and spastic colitis, nutritional deficiencies, food allergy (other than that caused by tomatoes), and other causes. No toxic symptoms were observed from its use.

Add one tablespoon of tomato pomace to one glass of milk. Take this at two-hour intervals. Dr. Morrison reported that the diarrhea stopped within 12 hours of taking the first dose. Ulcer symptoms disappeared within one week. Tomato pomace was also found to relieve other gastric disturbances as heartburn, nausea, vomiting and belching.

Tomato cleanses and rejuvenates the skin

Tomato is excellent for cleaning and rejuvenating the skin, used in a face peel, as a mask and in a cleansing grain. It can also be used to restore skin damaged by sunburn.

Face Peels

Tomato is excellent for a face peel that loosens the top layer of dead skin cells and rub them off. It is good for all types of skins.

Rub tomato slices directly into your clean skin, concentrating on areas infested with blockheads. Tomatoes contain vitamin C, which has healing powers, and an acid that removes dead skin and unplugs pores, making skin soft and radiant.

Tomato Mask

Slice a ripe tomato as thin as possible. Lie down and close your eyes. Apply the slices to your face. Wait 10 to 15 minutes. Let the juices seep into your skin. After the 10 to 15 minutes are up, use a slice to rub the juices further into the skin. The tomato works as a face peel, removing all dead, dry skin and leaving your face soft, glossy, and smooth. Rub off the excess tomato, leaving the residue on your skin. The mild natural acidity of the tomato restores the ph balance of your skin.

Tomato-Almond Meal Grains

For tougher face cleaning applications a more abrasive and effective mixture may be needed.

Add almond slices into a blender. Pulverize. Add an equal amount of mashed ripe tomato. Mix well. Apply over the area of the skin you want.

This cleansing grain removes rough dead skin cells, and makes the skin smooth. It is also effective against blockheads. This will work against even the most stubborn areas around the nose and chin. It stimulates circulation and restores the color of sallow, tired skin.

Remove the mixture with cool water or wipe it off, leaving a coating of the natural oils and juices.

Caution

  • This is very abrasive. Use with caution.
  • When skin is sensitive due to too much sun, eruptions, or abrasions, wait until the problems have gone.
  • Use no more than twice a week, only once if it tend to irritate.

Sources: Holistic On line, Your Total Health

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