Benefits for the health
Some population studies show that tomatoes make an important contribution to a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables. The excellent tomato nutrition profile is based on a balanced combination of antioxidant elements (vitamin C, carotenoids and flavonoids), minerals, a high content of folic acid and a low level of fats. Tomatoes are the biggest source of licopene in the diet.
Licopene is an important non-provitamin A carotenoid with a good antioxidant activity. It accounts for 30% of the total amount of carotenoids in the human plasma. Although licopene is one of the most active components of tomatoes, the synergy with other components is also important. Some population studies show an association between the frequent consumption of tomato by-products and a diminishing risk of contracting cancer, specially prostate cancer, although at the moment there are no evidences of another tomato component with the same benefits.
Popular tradition
The tomato has multiple healing applications. In order to take advantage of all its therapeutic properties it can be used externally or ingested. The external application is useful against acne and insect stings. The internal use is indicated against the lack of appetite, asthenia, chronic poisonings, plethora, congestion, blood hyperviscosity, arteriosclerosis, vascular affections, arthritis, gout, rheumatism, azoaemia, urinary and biliary lithiasis, constipation, enteritis and inflammation of the alimentary canal.
In China the main healing properties given to tomatoes are the alleviation of the internal body heat, detoxication, blood cooling, liver stabilization and the lowering of blood pressure.