Tomatoes: Full of Antioxidants & Perfect for Protecting against Heart Diseases

The tomato dates back to 700 AD and is thought to be a native plant to America.  It wasn’t introduced to Europeans until the 16th century.  The fruit was thought to be poisonous as they wealthy Britain’s would use utensils made of pewter and the acid in the tomato would cause the lead in the utensils to leak out onto the food causing the people to get sick from lead poisoning and die.  However, those whom ate from wooden plates tolerated the food fine.

Nutrients Found in Tomatoes

Tomatoes have a large amount of Vitamin C, nearly forty percent of the recommended daily value, which is essential for a strong and healthy immune system.  They also contain Vitamin A, which is beneficial in repairing and growth of tissue.  In an article published by Randall Neustaedter, OMD, Lac, CCH, states that the T-lymphocytes, or white blood cells, and all cells in the mucosal barrier of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts require Vitamin A.  Tomatoes also contain Vitamin B6 which helps fight off free radicals that cause cellular damage and infections.

Healthy ways to Prepare Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most versatile fruits as there are many healthy ways to prepare them in which they hold their nutritional value.  Certainly, eating tomatoes raw either sliced or in a salad will give you the highest amount of nutrition however they can also be roasted with a bit of olive oil and garlic to bring out the sweetness of the fruit without destroying the nutrition of the fruit.  Pureeing tomatoes into a paste or juice is also a very healthy way to get all the vitamins they offer. 

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Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes are very low in Cholesterol and saturated fats as well as low in sodium; they are beneficial in maintaining a healthy blood pressure and help to protect against heart disease or heart related issues.  The high content of Vitamin B6 along with Vitamin C help to build a strong immune system by fighting infections, such as the common cold as well as help in repairing cells damaged by free radicals.  Tomatoes are also an excellent source of dietary fiber which helps to maintain a healthy digestive system and prevent constipation associated with the lack of fiber in a diet. 

Tomatoes are an excellent addition to a healthy diet as they offer a great deal of nutrition and versatility.  Whether they are eaten raw or cooked, they add taste as well as essential vitamins to any meal.