Jummai Abdul, a Nutritionist with Wuse General Hospital, Abuja, has said consumption of tomatoes helps prevent breast cancer and osteoporosis in women.
Abdul told the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja that fresh tomato seed is known for its lycopene and antioxidants contents, which helps fight free radicals.
According to her, postmenopausal women who don’t consume tomatoes were at risk of developing breast cancer and osteoporosis, adding that lycopene in tomatoes aid bone health.
The expert said consuming one medium tomato provides 22 calories, 0 grams of fat and 5 grams of carbohydrate, 1 gram of fibre, 3 grams of sugar and 1 gram of protein to the body.
Abdul also stated that tomatoes contain a wide range of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, including others such as alpha-lipoic acid, lycopene, choline and folic acid, which help combat the formation of free radicals
She encouraged the consumption of tomatoes due to antioxidants found in it which play a special role in the health and well being of humans.
She said: “Tomato is enriched in Vitamins C, K, A, B6, B3 and Vitamin E, as well as Biotin, Potassium, Copper, fibre, Folate, phosphorous, magnesium, iron and zinc, among others.
“Tomatoes are known to prevent unwanted clumping of platelet cells in the blood which helps in lowering the risk of heart diseases.
“Tomatoes help lower cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and also aid digestion.
“Tomatoes are known to help prevent development of several types of cancers, such as stomach, colorectal and prostate cancer.
“It helps maintain strong bones; repair damages caused by smoking, enhances skin and also provides essential antioxidants.
“It is a good source in maintaining healthy hair, kidneys, as well as preventing the development of river blindness.
“Tomato is enriched with valuable minerals such as chromium which helps diabetic patients keep their sugar levels under control.”
Abdul further explained that tomato is enriched in vitamin C and folic acid, which are very good for pregnant women and good nutrition for babies.
Abdul said potassium found in tomato is an essential mineral for human body, which helps reduce risk of malaise, body weakness and stroke.
The nutritionist further said consuming tomatoes helps fight kidney and gall stones due to its lycopene contents, which serve as natural antiseptic.
She encouraged the consumption of tomatoes, stating that people who have diets rich in tomatoes have lower risk of developing some types of cancers.
Abdul admonished people with sleep disorder, mood swings as well as people with eating disorder to consume lots of tomatoes due to its nutritional values.
According to her, research has shown that people that consume tomatoes have reduced the risk of developing neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
She advised obese people to include tomatoes in their diet, stating that it helps in maintaining healthy weight and also helps reduce weight.
NAN.
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