People say that ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ but I would substitute tomato for apple in this saying! A century ago the tomato was considered poisonous and acidic. Today, we know that it actually has the most amazing health properties and is alkaline in nature. Did you know that the tomato is actually a fruit and not a vegetable?
Due to its highly versatile preparation options — tomato soup, puree, salsa, gravy, chopped in salads, as a juice, cooked in your vegetables, used in pulaos, dals etc. — it can easily be included as part of your diet. A weight watcher’s delight, the tomato has zero fat content. The fruit has a very powerful antioxidant called lycopene that cuts the risk of prostrate cancer. In fact the cooking process releases more lycopene. Due to its powerful antioxidant content, the tomato is also very good for cardiovascular diseases.
The vitamin C content in tomato increases immunity levels and keeps common colds and coughs at bay. It also helps in cases of congestion of the liver (protects the liver from cirrhosis) as well as in dissolving gallstones.
The tomato is a treasure house of nutrients, including vitamin A for the skin and eyes, potassium for muscle cramps and folic acid. Tomatoes are especially recommended for people with high homocysteine levels because of all these nutrients.
So, as the health benefits of this fruit become better and better known, why not begin your tryst with the tomato today?
The writer is a
Mumbai-based nutritionist.