Importance of Tomato in Improving Health

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a plant. Tomato is used in the  prevention of cancer-cancer of the breast, lungs, prostate, pancreas, ovaries, bladder, colon, rectum, stomach and cervix. It is used also in the prevention of Diabetes, Cataracts, Asthma Diseases affecting the blood vessels, and heart. Tomato could also be used in the treatment of HBP (High Blood Pressure), Common cold and Digestive disorders.

Tomato is a good source of Vitamin A and C. 

• Vitamin A is essential in the growth of cell (cell division and differentiation), growth of bone, enhances the function of the immune system, eye, urinary tract, intestinal tract and the respiratory tract. In elaboration, Vitamin A is required for several vital functions in the body including;

  Vision

  Vitamin A is required in the maintenance of normal vision. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to visual disturbances. In the eyes, a form of vitamin A called retinal is combined with a protein called opsin to give rhodopsin which is an essential light-absorbing molecule needed for colour vision and seeing in dim light.  

  Immune system

  Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy immune function and deficiency can lead to an impaired response to infection.

  Cell growth

  A form of Vitamin A, retinoic acid is, a key hormone-like growth factor for epithelial cells and other cell types in the body.

  Gene transcription and protein formation

  Tomatoes also contain Lycopene. Lycopene is a very powerful antioxidant which can help prevent the development of many forms of cancer. Cooked tomatoes and tomato products are the best source of lycopene since the lycopene is released from the tomato when cooked. A raw tomato has about 20% of the lycopene content found in cooked tomatoes. However, raw or cooked tomatoes are considered the best source for this antioxidant.

  Vitamin A, in the form of retinoic acid is essential for gene transcription. Retinol is taken up by the cell and oxidized to retinaldehyde, which is then oxidized to give retinoic acid. The conversion of retinal to retinoic acid is irreversible and the process is tightly regulated because retinoic acid functions as a ligand for nuclear receptors. Retinoic acid binds to these nuclear receptors called in order to regulate gene transcription.

  Skin health

  Retinoic acid maintains skin health also by activating genes that cause immature skin cells to develop into mature epidermal cells. Currently, the retinoic drug isotretinoin is the most commonly prescribed agent in the treatment of acne. This drug decreases the size of sebaceous glands and reduces their secretions. The agent also reduces the amount of bacteria present in the ducts and surface of the skin, which occurs as a result of reduced sebum, which bacteria rely on as a source of nutrients.
• Vitamin C is essential. According to recent research, vitamin C may offer health benefits in these areas:
  1. Stress. "A recent meta-analysis showed vitamin C was beneficial to individuals whose immune system was weakened due to stress -- a condition which is very common in our society," says Moyad.  And, he adds, "because vitamin C is one of the nutrients sensitive to stress, and [is] the first nutrient to be depleted in alcoholics, smokers, and obese individuals, it makes it an ideal marker for overall health."
  2. Colds. When it comes to the common cold, vitamin C may not be a cure, but it can help prevent more serious complications. "There is good evidence taking vitamin C for colds and flu can reduce the risk of developing further complications, such as pneumonia and lung infections," says Moyad.
  3. Stroke. Although research has been conflicting, one study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that those with the highest concentrations of vitamin C in their blood were associated with 42% lower stroke risk than those with the lowest concentrations.  The reasons for this are not completely clear. But what is clear is that people who eat plenty of fruits and vegetables have higher blood levels of vitamin C."People who consume more fruit and vegetables will not only have higher [blood] levels of vitamin C, but higher intake of other nutrients potentially beneficial to health, such as fiber and other vitamins and minerals," study researcher Phyo K. Myint said in an email interview.
  4. Skin Aging. Vitamin C affects cells on the inside and outside of the body.  A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined links between nutrient intakes and skin aging in 4,025 women aged 40-74. It found that higher vitamin C intakes were associated with a lower likelihood of a wrinkled appearance, dryness of the skin, and a better skin-aging appearance. 
  Other studies have suggested that vitamin C may also:
• Improve macular degeneration
• Reduce inflammation.
• Reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Note that the Leaf of Tomato could be harmful in excess because it can cause body poisoning. Its symptoms can include; vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, throat irritation and even death in several cases.

If you have more informations about this topic, please leave a comment.

 LIVE FREE, LIVE VICTORIOUS, LIVE HEALTHY!!!