With a lot of tomato nutrition, there will be no doubt that tomato has benefits for health and beauty. For instance, its very popular that tomato has benefits to get rid of acne. Lot of people also use it as a mask to make their skin face more shiny, glowing and more beautiful. One of the most well-known benefits of tomatoes is lycopene content. Lycopene is a vital anti-oxidant that helps fight the formation of cancer cells as well as other kinds of health complications and diseases.
About calories in tomato, even its not exactly zero like what the title said, but at least tomatoes is one of low calories vegetables. Average calories in a tomato is around 26 calories, but you need 60 calories to digest tomatoes. Thus, you actually burn 34 calories.
1001 tomato health benefits is not the exact number, but I believe you will never know before, that tomatoes is really a good healthy vegetables to consume. Below you will read a lot of proof about magnificent health benefits of tomatoes, but first lets take a look a little closer about tomato nutrition.
Like what we said before about lycopene content, its one of compound that can only found in tomatoes. Dr. David Yeung, Global Nutrition Service, Pittsburg, USA, revealed that a number of studies have shown that lycopene, which gives the red color in tomatoes is a very powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals.
The other nutrients that can be found in tomatoes such as Vitamin A and C, which is the highest level content. For more detail nutrition facts you can read table below.
Tomato Nutrition Facts
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 18 Kcal | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 3.9 g | 3% |
| Protein | 0.9 g | 1.6% |
| Total Fat | 0.2 g | 0.7% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 3% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 15 µg | 4% |
| Niacin | 0.594 mg | 4% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.080 mg | 6% |
| Thiamin | 0.037 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin A | 833 IU | 28% |
| Vitamin C | 13 mg | 21.5% |
| Vitamin E | 0.54 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin K | 7.9 µg | 6.5% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 5 mg | >1% |
| Potassium | 237 mg | 5% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 10 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 11 mg | 3% |
| Manganese | 0.15 mg | 6.5% |
| Phosphorus | 24 mg | 3% |
| Zinc | 0.17 mg | 1.5% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-ß | 449 µg | -- |
| Carotene-α | 101 µg | -- |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 123 µg | -- |
| Lycopene | 2573 µg | -- |
Health benefits of tomatoes
Neutralize free radicals in the bodyTomatoes are a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C are responsible for neutralizing harmful free radicals in the blood.
Against cancer cells
Tomatoes has lycopene content, a number of studies have shown that high levels of lycopene in tomato works to reduce the risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, oral cancer, and stomach cancer.
In addition to preventing cancer, lycopene in tomatoes also provide cardiovascular benefits. The researchers found that women who consume 7-10 servings of foods rich in lycopene, such as tomatoes every week had a 29% lower risk of heart disease when compared to women who ate less than 1.5 servings of tomatoes each week.
Low cholesterol
High intake of tomatoes, significantly reducing the level of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Research has also shown the ability to increase circulation to resist oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
Reducing high blood pressure (Hypertension)
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin B and potassium are effective in reducing high blood pressure. Therefore, by include tomatoes in the daily diet, can effectively prevent strokes and heart attacks.
Protect against liver disease
Tomatoes are rich in chlorine and sulfur, which keeps the liver functioning properly. It also protects the liver from congestion and may also help in dissolving gallstones.
Purify the blood & cleaning toxins from the body
The presence of antioxidants in tomatoes is known to cleanse toxins from the body. The content of tomatoes has been recognized for its blood purifying properties.
Fixing damage caused by smoking
Tomatoes contain chlorogenic and coumaric acid, which helps protect the body from carcinogens (cancer-causing substances, which are usually derived from tobacco smoke).
Protects against infection
Being a natural anti-septic, tomatoes may help protect the body against various infections.
Strengthen bones
Tomatoes contain high amounts of vitamin K, which maintain bone strength and health.
Improving your vision
Tomatoes contain vitamin A, which helps to improve vision and prevent vision problems associated with macular degeneration and night blindness.
Benefits of tomatoes for beauty
In addition to its health benefits, tomatoes also has benefits for beauty. Vitamin A in tomatoes helps keep the hair shiny and strong. Tomatoes can be good facial mask, peel the tomatoes and then gently rub the area full of blackheads. This will restore the skin's natural glow and also reduce dark spots. Tomatoes also popular vegetables that can get rid of acne or pimples.