Tomatoes belong to the family of Solanaceae as potatoes, peppers and eggplants. It is a perennial plant in the tropical regions. Flowers are generally borne in clusters.
The tomato is a native of the area of the Andes Mountains. It is widely known as 'Wolf Peach'. Tomatoes enhance the taste of foods like sauces, chutneys, meat preparations
Tomatoes are the best source of vitamin C. They also contain vitamin A and Potassium. The red pigmentation of tomatoes is called 'Lycopene'. Lycopene is present in foods like watermelon. But tomatoes are said to contain the highest amount of lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant. Though raw tomatoes are rich in betacarotene and lycopene cooking them a bit releases the health benefits in entirity. Tomatoes do not lose any of their nutritional values when cooked or purred.
Lycopene prevents prostrate cancer and retard the growth of tumors. It helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Cooking actually enhances the lycopene concentration in the food. Eating tomatoes cooked in olive aids in absorption of lycopene.
Tomatoes are also used in beauty treatments. Body masks made of tomatoes are well known. While buying tomatoes always choose bright red ones as the Lycopene content is always better in red tomatoes.
Botanical Name : Lycopersicon esculentum
