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Alternative medicine: Tomato
Sat, 31 May 2008 17:55:07
By Patricia Khashayar, MD., Press TV, Tehran
Tomatoes are not only heart healthy but can also fight several types of cancer and help develop
healthy teeth, bones, skin and hair.
Botanical: Lycopersicon lycopersicum
Family: N.O. Solanaceae
Synonyms: Lycopersicon, pomme d'amour, pomodoro
Habitat:
The tomato which originated from the highlands of the west coast of South America is now
available all over the world.
Description:
Tomatoes are perennial vines, typically reaching 1-3m in height. The fruit botanically classified as
a berry has fleshy internal segments filled with seeds and a watery matrix.
The tomato's predominant colors are red, yellow and green; however, purple and brown ones are
also produced. They range in size from small cherry tomatoes to medium plum/roma tomatoes to
large slicing/beefsteak tomatoes.
Part Used Medicinally:
Fruit
Constituents:
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and other vitamins like A, B1, B2, B6, E, K and
niacin.
They are rich in molybdenum, potassium, magnesium, iron, folate, copper, phosphorous,
manganese, dietary fiber and chromium. In addition, tomatoes contain small amounts of nicotine
(coumaric and chlorogenic acid).
Containing only 20 calories, they are a good source of phytochemical lycopene, beta-carotene
and several other carotenoids.
Medicinal Uses:
Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants which play a key role in maintaining a healthy immune system
and fighting against infection.
Due to their high content of lycopene (a powerful anti-oxidant) and phytonutrients, tomatoes
lower the risk of prostate, colorectal, pancreatic and stomach cancers.
The consumption of tomatoes with fat-rich avocado, nuts and olive oil increases the fruits anti-
http://www.presstv.ir/pop/print.aspx?id=58118 7/15/2008
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cancer properties.
Eating tomatoes and broccoli together has shown better results against prostate cancer.
Two powerful compounds found in tomatoes, coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid, are thought to
block the effects of nitrosamines, thus reducing the risk of lung cancer.
The tomato's high antioxidant content prevents from inflammation and the progression or
severity of atherosclerosis, diabetic complications and asthma.
The tomato's high potassium content makes it an effective stroke preventer and lowers blood
pressure.
The vitamin K found in tomatoes helps maintain healthy bones by activating osteocalcin, a
protein which anchors calcium inside the bones. It also helps prevent hemorrhages.
Tomatoes are acidic, so they may upset the stomach in individuals with gastrointestinal
discomfort.
Individuals with high cholesterol levels, those whose work involves traveling long distances,
those who have recently undergone a surgical procedure and smokers benefit from this fruit.
The blood thinning effects of tomato juice are noteworthy for individuals at higher risk of blood
clot formation.
A tomato-rich diet helps improve skin texture and color.
Tomatoes help in liver congestion (cirrhosis) and gallstones.
The nicotinic acid in tomato can help reduce blood cholesterol and prevent heart diseases. A high
dietary intake of tomato products helps lower LDL and cholesterol levels.
Its high chromium content helps control blood sugar in diabetics and reduces the risk of
developing cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetics.
Tomatoes are heart-healthy because their vitamin B6 and folates are needed to help the body
convert homocysteine, a potentially dangerous chemical, into other benign molecules. High levels
of homocysteine can damage blood vessel walls and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Tomatoes can also fight chronic degenerative ailments such as atherosclerosis, osteoporosis and
Alzheimer's disease.
Tomatoes are a good source of riboflavin, which helps reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
Preparation:
Using a whole tomato is more recommended as it contains more lycopene.
Bright red tomatoes have the highest amounts of beta-carotene and lycopene. Cooking tomatoes
in oil especially olive oil helps the body absorb more lycopene.
It is important not to cook tomatoes in aluminum cookware since their high acid content will
interact with the metal causing deleterious health effects. It should be noted that cooking and
canning do not reduce the nutritional value of tomatoes.
http://www.presstv.ir/pop/print.aspx?id=58118 7/15/2008
