9 surprising health benefits of tomatoes and 5 reasons to avoid them

Tomatoes: The Ingredient That’s So versatile, It Can Be Used in Anything

Why did the tomato blush? Because it saw the salad dressing.

Tomatoes are a type of fruit that is native to South America. They are a member of the nightshade family, which also includes potatoes, eggplants, and peppers. Tomatoes are a popular ingredient in many dishes, including salads, sauces, and soups. They are also a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as potassium.

Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a number of health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, and macular degeneration. They are also a good source of fiber, which can help promote digestive health.

Tomatoes can be eaten raw, cooked, or processed. They are typically red, but can also be yellow, orange, or green. Tomatoes can be grown in a variety of climates, but they prefer warm, sunny weather.

Here are some of the health benefits of tomatoes:

• Reduced risk of heart disease: Lycopene in tomatoes has been shown to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and improve blood vessel function.
• Reduced risk of cancer: Lycopene has also been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer, lung cancer, and stomach cancer.
• Improved vision: Lycopene can help protect against macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older adults.
• Promoted digestive health: Fiber in tomatoes can help keep the digestive system healthy and regular.
• Boosted immune system: Vitamin C in tomatoes can help boost the immune system and fight off infection.
• If you are looking for a healthy and versatile fruit, tomatoes are a great option. They are a good source of nutrients and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Benefits of eating tomatoes

1. Tomatoes are rich in anti – oxidants that can fight cancer.

2. Aids in digestion.

3. Improves vision.

4. Prevents formation of gall stones.

5. Prevents urinary tract infection.

6. Tomatoes can reduce cholesterol and good for the heart.

7. It can counteract the bad effects of smoking.

8. Tomatoes can reduce oxidative stress and help in controlling type-2 diabetes. Source: http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/tomatoes.html

9. Tomatoes can fight arthritis, cold, chills, digestion disorder and asthma Source: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-900-TOMATO.aspx?activeIngredientId=900&activeIngredientName=TOMATO

Interactions of tomatoes

1. Tomato lectin is found to bind to both pig enterocytes and human Caco2 cell cultures with similar affinity. Source: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1015804816582

2. Tomatoes can decrease the effectiveness of erythromycin/ penicillin antibiotics. Source: http://lacetoleather.com/mealsmeds.html

3. Tomatoes can interact with CYP1A1, CYP1B1, UGP, UGT, CYP2E1.

4. Tomatoes can interact with diethyl nitrosoamines, N-Methyl Nitrosourea, 1,2 dimethyl hydrazine.

5. Lycopene supplementation increases hepatic cytochrome P4502E1 protein and inflammation in rats fed with alcohol. Source: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02155.x/full

6. Tomato juice can interact with potassium sparing diuretics. Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/341876-foods-that-interfere-with-blood-pressure-medication/

7. Tomato juice can interfere with nifedipine and midazolam. Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3466398/

8. Vitamin K in tomatoes can interact with coumadin Source: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/vitamin-k-foods-to-avoid-while-on-coumadin.html

9. Tomatoes can interact with iron. Source: http://www.champ-program.org/static/Drug-Food_Interactions_final.pdf

Health conditions to avoid tomatoes

1. People allergic to tomatoes should avoid them. Source: http://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/tomatoes-recipes

2. Tomatoes should be avoided by people with psoriasis. Source: http://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/foods-to-avoid-if-you-have-psoriasis.aspx

3. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis must avoid tomatoes. Source: http://www.pcrm.org/health/health-topics/foods-and-arthritis

4. People with crohn`s disease should avoid eating tomatoes. Source: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20560523_8,00.html

5. Tomato seeds should be avoided by people with kidney stones. Source: http://www.diethealthclub.com/askquestion/112/health-advice-on-food-to-eat-are-tomato-and-chili-.html

Photo by PhotoMIX Company: https://www.pexels.com/photo/tomato-top-of-white-ceramic-plate-96616/

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