Keep prostate cancer at bay
Sep 20, 2010
TOMATOES are part of almost all gravies we eat. However, its health benefits far exceed the spice properties. Tomatoes are common vegetables in our local markets, sometimes production prevailing over demand. On maturity a tomato is a sparkling red ball full of juice.
By Gilbert Kidimu
TOMATOES are part of almost all gravies we eat. However, its health benefits far exceed the spice properties. Tomatoes are common vegetables in our local markets, sometimes production prevailing over demand. On maturity a tomato is a sparkling red ball full of juice.
Although considered vegetables, tomatoes have all the qualities of fresh fruit, says Allan Ssegirinya, a nutritionist.
Tomatoes are loaded with countless health properties that aid in reducing and preventing some of the most life threatening diseases.
Health benefits
“The red pigment contained in the tomatoes is Lycopene, one of the strongest antioxidants,†says Ssegirinya. The pigment can also fight cancer cells. He adds that lycopene is also very beneficial for heart and pancreatic health.
Tomatoes are extremely rich in potassium, something that many of us lack in our daily diets. For instance, a single cup of tomato juice contains 534 milligrams of potassium, enough for a family. Ssegirinya says potassium is an essential macro-mineral the body needs in fairly large doses of at least 100mg or more per day.
Tomatoes also help in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. “A study has shown that men who consumed ten tomatoes per week reduced their chances of developing prostate cancer by 45%,†explains Ssegirinya
According to worldhealthfoods.com whether eaten as raw or cooked, tomatoes have equal health benefits although eating them raw might expose one to worms.
Tomatoes improve skin texture and colour. They are also a good blood purifier.
Consumption of tomatoes protects the liver from cirrhosis and helps in dissolving gallstones. Cirrhosis is a result of chronic liver disease characterised by replacement of liver tissue by fibrosis, scar tissue and regenerative nodules, leading to loss of liver function.
Tomato is a natural antiseptic, therefore, it can help protect against infection. Nicotinic acid in tomatoes can help to reduce blood cholesterol, thus helps prevent heart diseases.
TOMATOES are part of almost all gravies we eat. However, its health benefits far exceed the spice properties. Tomatoes are common vegetables in our local markets, sometimes production prevailing over demand. On maturity a tomato is a sparkling red ball full of juice.
Although considered vegetables, tomatoes have all the qualities of fresh fruit, says Allan Ssegirinya, a nutritionist.
Tomatoes are loaded with countless health properties that aid in reducing and preventing some of the most life threatening diseases.
Health benefits
“The red pigment contained in the tomatoes is Lycopene, one of the strongest antioxidants,†says Ssegirinya. The pigment can also fight cancer cells. He adds that lycopene is also very beneficial for heart and pancreatic health.
Tomatoes are extremely rich in potassium, something that many of us lack in our daily diets. For instance, a single cup of tomato juice contains 534 milligrams of potassium, enough for a family. Ssegirinya says potassium is an essential macro-mineral the body needs in fairly large doses of at least 100mg or more per day.
Tomatoes also help in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. “A study has shown that men who consumed ten tomatoes per week reduced their chances of developing prostate cancer by 45%,†explains Ssegirinya
According to worldhealthfoods.com whether eaten as raw or cooked, tomatoes have equal health benefits although eating them raw might expose one to worms.
Tomatoes improve skin texture and colour. They are also a good blood purifier.
Consumption of tomatoes protects the liver from cirrhosis and helps in dissolving gallstones. Cirrhosis is a result of chronic liver disease characterised by replacement of liver tissue by fibrosis, scar tissue and regenerative nodules, leading to loss of liver function.
Tomato is a natural antiseptic, therefore, it can help protect against infection. Nicotinic acid in tomatoes can help to reduce blood cholesterol, thus helps prevent heart diseases.