CANCER
As an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin C and other antioxidants, tomatoes can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer.
PROSTATE CANCER
Lycopene has been linked with prostate cancer prevention in several studies. Among younger men, diets rich in beta-carotene may playa protective role against prostate cancer.
COLORECTAL CANCER
High fiber intakes from fruits and vegetables are associated with a lowered risk of colorectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, so2me studies have shown that people who have diets rich in tomatoes may have a lower risk of certain types of cancer especially cancers ofthe prostate, lung, and stomach. Blood pressure:
Maintaining a low sodium intake is essential to lowering blood pressure, however increasing potassium intake may be just as important because of its vasodilation effects.
HEART HEALTH
The fibre, potassium, vitamin C and choline content in tomatoes all support heart health. An increase in
potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. High potassium intakes are also associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation of kidney stones.
DIABETES
Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and Insulin levels.
SKIN
Collagen, the skins support system, is reliant on vitamin C as an essential nutrient that works in our bodies as an antioxidant to help prevent damage caused by the sun pollution and smoke, smooth wrinkles and improve overall skin texture.
CONSTIPATION
Eating foods that are high in water content and fiber like tomatoes can help to keep you hydrated and your bowel movements regular. Fiber is essential for minimizing constipation and adding bulk to the stool.
PREGNANCY
Adequate folic acid intake is essential for pregnant women to protect against neural tube defects in infants.
DEPRESSION
The folic acid in tomatoes may also help with depression by preventing an excess of homocysteine from forming in the body, which can prevent blood and other nutnents from reaching the brain. Excess homocysteine interferes with the production of the feel-good hormones serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate not only mood, but sleep and appetite as well.
PEPPER
The chili also chile pepper or chilli pepper, from is the fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum, members of the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Fresh or dried chilies are often used to make hot soup, a liquid condiment – usually bottled when commercially available. Red peppers have a lot of spice and flavour without many added calories, fat or sugar. Peppers are commonly broken down into three groupings: bell peppers, sweet peppers, and hot peppers. Most popular pepper varieties are seen as falling into one of these categories. If you want more flavour in your food plus health benefits like weight loss and pain relief, try adding crushed red pepper to your meals.
– Culled from Medicinal & Health Benefits of Common Foods, Fruits and Vegetable in Nigeria. By Prof Adeduro Adegeye
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