Tomato is a fruit packed with nutrients and plant compounds that are essential for the proper functioning of human body. Tomato is the fruit of a plant scientifically known as Solanum lycopersicum originated in south America and central America.
When asked someone, if tomato is a fruit or a vegetable?. Majority will answers tomato is a vegetable, it is because almost all over the world tomatoes are consumed in the same way as vegetables, after all by now you should know tomato is a fruit.
Health Benefits of Tomatoes:
In tomatoes a substance called lycopene is found in abundance, which gives them the bright red color. Lycopene is responsible for protecting tomatoes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When consumed lycopene acts as a powerful antioxidant and different studies suggested that lycopene helps in strengthening the immune system, may prevent lung cancer, stomach cancer and prostrate cancer.
Some researchers suggested that lycopene might prevent the diseases in certain parts of the body like throat, mouth,pancreas, breast and colon.
Potassium content of tomato regulates blood pressure, B Vitamins helps the body in maintaining a healthy nervous system and Vitamin E as an antioxidant helps in protecting body cells from damage.
Tomato also contain lutein and zeaxanthin which helps in protecting eyes from harmful light and relieves eyes tiredness and ease headaches from eyestrain.
Tomato Nutrition Facts:
| Name | Amount |
| Water | 94.52 g |
| Energy | 18 kcal |
| Protein | 0.88 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.2 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 3.89 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.2 g |
| Sugars, total including NLEA | 2.63 g |
Minerals in Tomatoes:
| Name | Amount |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Iron | 0.27 mg |
| Magnesium | 11 mg |
| Phosphorus | 24 mg |
| Potassium | 237 mg |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Zinc | 0.17 mg |
| Copper | 0.059 mg |
Vitamins in Tomatoes:
| Name | Amount |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 13.7 mg |
| Thiamin (Vitamin B1) | 0.037 mg |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 0.019 mg |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 0.594 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.08 mg |
| Folate, total | 15 μg |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.54 mg |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 42 μg |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 7.9 μg |
Other Plant Compounds in Tomatoes:
| Name | Amount |
| Choline, total | 6.7 mg |
| Carotene, beta | 449 μg |
| Carotene, alpha | 101 μg |
| Lycopene | 2573 μg |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 123 μg |
