Tomato is one of the most popular fruit in the world with 170 million metric tonnes produced. It is not only tasty but also extremely nutritious. Tomato gets its characteristic deep red colour from lycopene which is a very powerful antioxidant. It is also a good source of vitamin A, C and E. There are over 10,000 known varieties of tomatoes and 3000 varieties of heirloom tomatoes actively cultivated. Over 7,500 types of tomatoes are grown in India. With that said, let us look at the nutritional value of tomato.
Nutritional Value of Tomatoes
| Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), red, ripe, raw, Nutrition value per 100 g. (Source: USDA National Nutrient database) | ||
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
| Energy | 18 Kcal | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 3.9 g | 3% |
| Protein | 0.9 g | 1.6% |
| Total Fat | 0.2 g | 0.7% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 3% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 15 µg | 4% |
| Niacin | 0.594 mg | 4% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.080 mg | 6% |
| Thiamin | 0.037 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin A | 833 IU | 28% |
| Vitamin C | 13 mg | 21.5% |
| Vitamin E | 0.54 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin K | 7.9 µg | 6.5% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 5 mg | >1% |
| Potassium | 237 mg | 5% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 10 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 11 mg | 3% |
| Manganese | 0.15 mg | 6.5% |
| Phosphorus | 24 mg | 3% |
| Zinc | 0.17 mg | 1.5% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-ß | 449 µg | — |
| Carotene-α | 101 µg | — |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 123 µg | — |
| Lycopene | 2573 µg | — |
Benefits of Tomatoes for Skin
Tomato for Skin
Tomatoes are very nutritious and have many benefits for skincare and beauty. It is widely used as a main ingredient in various natural and organic products. Here are some amazing benefits of tomatoes for face with ways to use them.
1. Reduces Signs of Ageing
Tomatoes contain lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are known to fight free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules which are used by the body to fight harmful bacteria. If the free radicals outnumber the antioxidants they can damage cells. Free radicals are also responsible for ageing. As tomatoes are rich in antioxidants using them can help reduce the signs of ageing.
You Need
- Fresh tomato pulp
Method
- Cleanse face and neck with a gentle cleansing agent.
- Apply tomato pulp on face and neck.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Wash with lukewarm water.
2. Works As A Natural Exfoliator
As tomatoes are rich in antioxidants they have many benefits for the skin. Tomato combined with sugar is an excellent exfoliator. It removes dead skin cells and leaves the skin looking fresh.
To Use
- 1 tomato (medium sized)
- 2 tsp. granulated brown sugar
Useful tip: Brown sugar granules are softer than regular sugar granules. It is safer to use as a scrub for most skin types.
Method
- Cut the top part of the tomato. Do not cut it too thinly as this will used for scrubbing.
- Spread brown sugar granules on a plate.
- Place the top part of the tomato on the plate with brown sugar and press gently.
- Gently scrub on the face using circular motion. Avoid eyelids and under eye area.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Wash with lukewarm water and pat dry.
- Moisture your face.
- Do this once a week.
Useful tip: You should always moisturise after exfoliating your skin. Also never exfoliate more than once a week if you have dry or sensitive skin.
3. Reduces Acne
Tomato contains lycopene which is an antioxidant. It is also known to have acidic properties. This acidic nature of tomato helps shrink pores and reduce oil production of the skin. This in turn helps reduce acne.
To Use
- 2 tbsp. tomato juice
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
Method
- Mix 2 tbsp. tomato juice with 1 tbsp. of lemon juice.
- Apply on face and neck and leave it for 10 minutes.
- Wash with cold water and pat dry.
Note: If you have sensitive skins do not keep it for more than 5 minutes. If you feel a burning sensation on your skin wash immediately with cold water.
4. Reduces Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots
Tomato along with its antioxidant properties is also a natural bleaching agent. Because of this, using tomatoes on face can help reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It also helps to even out skin tone. It can also be used for spot treating dark spots and blemishes.
To Use
- A medium sized tomato
- 2 tbsp. aloe vera gel
- 1 tbsp. cucumber juice
Method
- Make a pulp of the medium sized tomato.
- Add 2 tbsp. of aloe vera gel to the pulp and mix it.
- Finally add 1 tbsp. of fresh cucumber juice and mix it together.
- Apply on face and neck.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Wash with lukewarm water.
- Use it mask once a week for best results.
Useful tip: Some people experience burning sensation when tomato is applied on the skin as it is acidic in nature. Using aloe vera gel and cucumber juice along with the tomato pulp will soothe the skin and will not irritate or cause burning sensations.
5. Restores the Natural Ph Level Of Skin
Tomatoes are highly acidic in nature. Fresh tomatoes have a pH level of 4.3 – 4.9. Due to its acidic property it can be used to balance the pH level of the skin.
Benefits of Tomatoes for Hair
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin A, C and E and also have minerals such as calcium and iron. It is also a powerful antioxidant. This helps keep the hair healthy and strong. Here are some benefits of tomatoes for hair and reasons why you should use it too.
1. Reduces Hair Fall
Nowadays hair fall has become a common problem thanks to pollution and stressful lifestyle. But using tomatoes can really help reduce hair fall and stimulate hair growth. Tomatoes contain vitamin A, C, E and K which are very beneficial to the hair. Applying tomato pulp to the scalp is known to prevent hair loss.
2. Treats Dandruff
Tomatoes are very good antioxidants. Using tomato regularly will keep the hair and scalp healthy. It can also be used to treat dandruff. As tomato is acidic it reduces oil production (sebum) in the scalp. It also helps soothe itchy and irritated scalp.
To Use
- 3 tbsp. tomato juice
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
Method
- Add 1 tbsp. of olive oil to 3 tbsp. of tomato juice.
- Mix it together.
- Apply to the scalp and massage for 2 minutes.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Was hair with a mild shampoo.
Useful tip: Avoid sleeping on wet hair and don’t apply oil to wet hair. It can cause dandruff and makes the scalp itchy.
3. Natural Hair Conditioner
Because of its nutritional values, tomato works as a wonderful hair conditioner. It reduces frizz and can transform dull and brittle hair to beautiful silky and shiny hair.
4. Removes Chlorine from Hair
Chlorine damages the hair by making it dry and brittle. It also makes the hair green. Using tomato can remove chlorine from the hair and repair damaged hair.
5. Prevents Premature Greying of Hairs
Certain foods like tomatoes, onion, papaya, citrus fruits etc., are believed to stop premature greying of hair.It is believed to help reverse the hair to its natural colour.
Health Benefits of Tomatoes
Tomatoes are highly nutritious. They are the biggest source of dietary lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant. Unlike other fruits and vegetables, cooking or processing does not decrease the nutritional value of tomato. Tomato also has antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Given below are some amazing benefits of tomatoes for health.
1. Lowers Blood Pressure
Several researches have shown that lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant, can reduce blood pressure. It was found that a short-term treatment of tomato could reduce blood pressure in patients with grade-HT (hypertension). Tomato is considered to be a potential treatment. Using tomatoes in one’s diet can help reduce blood pressure.
2. Prevents Cancer
Growing evidences suggest that lycopene present in tomato can help prevent the formation and development of lung cancer. Several studies have shown that lycopene may inhibit the growth of several cultured lung cancer cells and prevent lung tuorigenesis in animal models. A number of studies have shown that lycopene inhibited the growth of human cancer cells grown in cultures. Lycopene was observed to prevent not only lung cancer but also other types of cancer like prostate, breast, hepatoma, stomach, colon and oral cancer. Some studies have reported lycopene to be more effective than α- or β-carotene.
3. Keeps the Heart Healthy
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, beta-carotene, folate, potassium, flavonoids, vitamin A, C and E. Many studies have found out that eating foods which are rich in antioxidants can help reduce risks of cardiovascular diseases. Tomatoes are also believed to reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, homocysteine, platelet aggregation and blood pressure thus keeping the heart healthy.
4. Keeps the Bones Strong
Tomato is rich in calcium and vitamin K. These are vital for keeping the bones healthy. They help strengthen the bones and do minor repairs on the bones and bone tissues.
5. Keeps Eyes Healthy
Tomatoes have vitamin A in them. Vitamin A is very important for eyes to function properly. Tomatoes also have lutein and zeaxanthin which provide nutrition to the eyes. They filter the light and remove blue light rays which can harm the eyes. Tomatoes are also rich in vitamin C and copper. It is believed that eating foods rich in vitamin C might help fight cataract which is related to old age. But more research needs to be done on this topic.
6. Helps Reduce Weight
There are many benefits of tomatoes in weight loss. Tomato is rich in fibre, vitamin C, K, potassium and folate. It is also low in calories. Tomatoes also have high water content which fills up one’s appetite quickly. It also helps in detoxifying the body and helps the body lose weight. Many people swear by the benefits of drinking tomato juice at night. It is considered to help lose weight. But many advice against this practice as tomatoes contain tyramine which keeps you up all night.
7. Beneficial For Pregnant Women
Tomatoes are known to be very nutritious. There are many health benefits of tomatoes in pregnancy. Tomatoes contain vitamin A, C and K. It also contains folates which are very important during pregnancy as it keeps both the mother and the baby healthy. Tomato also reduces weakness and blood pressure of the mother and helps to prevent anaemia.
8. Helps Reduce Lung Damage Caused By Smoking
A study found that using tomatoes may slow down the lung damage in smokers. The study also suggests that food rich in antioxidants can slow down the lungs natural ageing process for non-smokers.
9. Helps Digestion
Tomatoes are known to keep the digestive system healthy. It also works as a detoxifier and helps body get rid of wanted toxins. It also prevents diarrhoea and constipation.
10. A Great Source of Antioxidants
Antioxidants have a lot of health benefits. They fight free radicals, lower the risk of heart diseases, prevent cancer and is being researched as a potential treatment for a number of diseases including Alzheimer’s disease. Lycopene is one of the most powerful natural antioxidant. Tomatoes are not only the main source of lycopene but also rich in vitamin A and E which are also known antioxidants. These properties make tomatoes an important food in one’s diet.
Also read:
Amazing Beauty Benefits of Tomato on Face with 13 DIY Tomato Face Pack Recipes
