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Saturday, November 10, 2007

Tomato


A garden plant, the tomato is highly versatile; its fruit, leaves and roots contain healthy nutrients including beta-carotene and lycopene a red carotenoid related to beta-carotene. The tomato is also rich in glutathione, chlorogenic acid, citric acid, vitamins A and C and such minerals as phosphorus, potassium and fiber.
Tomatoes are commonly used in cooking but are also recognized for their medicinal properties. Tomato juice helps quench thirst, serves as a laxative and helps detoxify the body and improve the appetite and health in general. It also stimulates stomach functions, intestinal tracts and kidneys.
While lycopene may share similar properties to beta-carotene, it is more effective. It enhances the immune system, prevents skin wrinkles, prostate cancer, ulcers and illnesses associated with the kidneys. Initially, processes tomato juice contains more lycopene than exists in fresh tomatoes and is particularly effective for people with poor appetites or problems relating to the liver, fatigue and obesity. In addition, it improves the neural system and eases problems relating to sight in the elderly.
Finely crushed tomato leaves may be applied to areas affected by sunburn to reduce heat and skin irritation. Moreover, the liquid from tomato leaves brewed in hot water can serve as an insecticide, talking care to leave the liquid to cool before spraying it on plants to kill insects.
Liquid from boiled tomato roots can ease toothache and cleanse wounds or injuries.Although tomatoes have many benefits, they should be consumed with caution. Eating more than ten tomatoes in a day, on a continual basis, will result in a red coloration on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet