Tomato is Good For You

       Is the tomato a fruit or vegetable?Well, It's vegetable for me but it is also considered as fruit.(Which has caused some confusion).Although we think of the tomato as a vegetable,it is actually a fruit like the apple;taxonomy insists on labeling it such because it contains seeds.Whether fruit or vegetable,the tomato imparts as host of health benefits to anyone who makes it regular part of her diet.

       Despite its squeaky-clean reputation today,the tomato's history is fraught with scandal.The Roman church banned the tomato,calling it the devil's fruit and a sinful pleasure.This judgment was because of its seductive red color and the sensuous,slightly sweet flesh bursting with juicy intensity.The tomato has also been called the "wolf peach" because it was considered a dangerous food.Thankfully,we now know that the tomato is far from dangerous;on the contrary,it's quite healthful!And in addition to being nutritious,they are a magnificent addition to so many dishes.I don't even want to imagine life without the tomato,because so many recipes can benefit from their inclusion,from livening up a soup to enhancing the juice of roasted meat.

        The health benefits of tomatoes are numerous,with high levels of vitamins A,C,and K.Vitamin A is vital for optimal eye health, and vitamin C is necessary for immune system function and cell regeneration.Vitamin K,which is a protein that anchors calcium in bone.The tomato is also a good source of potassium,manganese,niacin,and iron.Potassium assist in regulating blood pressure by balancing sodium levels in the body.The antioxidants in tomatoes also relieve inflamation and slow down the aging process.The best thing the tomato has to offer is the power antioxidant lycopene.Lycopene is a carotenoid that is found in red fruit.Researchers have investigated this antioxidant extensively,with the results that suggest lycopene to be effective in protection against cancer and heart disease.Tomatoes are a good source of other nutrients to include vitamin C,folate,and potassium.The caloric value of tomato is very low.For every 100 grams of tomatoes there are only 20 calories.tomatowww.brenda14.blogspot.com