Healthful Benefits of the Citrus Fruit Tomato

Tomatoes are the most versatile fruit that can be eaten raw and is used in sandwiches, pizza, vegetables, soups, gravy and sauces. The citrus fruit tomatoes are juicy, sweet and tasty. It is said that one serving of red raw tomatoes is a very good source of Vitamins A, C, K, folate and potassium. They are a rich source of thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus and copper. They are good for health as they are naturally low in sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol. Being low in calories, they are very healthy and are easily available. They can help you lose weight also if you are on a sensible diet and exercise plan. They make a great snack as they contain lots of water and fiber.

Tomatoes are high in water content which makes them a good diet food. Eating them daily provides protection against high blood pressure, strokes, heart disease and high cholesterol. Being rich in vitamin K and calcium they are good for strengthening and repairing bones. They are good source chromium which helps to control the body’s blood sugar level.

Lycopene found in tomatoes also have many benefits some of which are listed below:

• Lycopene found in them makes the skin less sensitive to UV rays damage, thereby helping the skin against run burns.

• Lycopene in them improves bone mass, which aids in fighting osteoporosis.

• Lycopene can diminish the risk of several cancers, including prostate, cervical, mouth, pharynx, throat, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectal, prostate and ovarian cancer.

Tomatoes can keep your blood sugar in balance. Being a very good source of chromium they help in regulating blood sugar level. Vitamin A present in them can improve vision, prevent night blindness and make hair strong and shiny. Recent research shows that consuming them may help reduce the risk of macular degeneration which is a serious and irreversible eye condition. They can help prevent kidney stones and gallstones. Studies by researchers suggest that people who eat them are less likely to have stones.

Effects of Refined Sugar on Your Health

Sugar is an important source of energy easily available however, if you consume it in large amount, it increases the risk of obesity and the other ailments such as diabetes and heart disease. Humans are born with a sweet tooth and you probably would not like the fact that consuming refined sugar is dangerous for your health. It has no or zero nutritional value, the more refined and whiter it is, adverse is its effects on your health. 

Below are the major reasons why should you regulate intake of refined sugar.

·         Sugar suppresses the body’s immune system, and speed up the aging process.

·         It decreases human growth hormone and is a like barrier in keeping you young and lean.

·         Don’t over-feed your children with sugary stuff as it weakens sightedness.

·         It feeds cancer cells and is often linked with the breast, ovaries, prostate, rectum, pancreas, lung, gall bladder, biliary tract, and stomach cancer.

·         It causes laziness and diminishes physical activities in young children as well as in adults.

·         It intervenes with the absorption of super molecule.

·         It also causes food allergies.

·         It contributes to polygenic disorder.

·         It impairs the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid.

·         It causes anxiety disorder.

·         Excessive intake of sugar in kids as well as adults cause concentration problem.

·         It greatly assists the uncontrolled growth of yeast infections.

·         It increases crankiness in children

·         It has a direct effect on the blood sugar levels, therefore is associated to diabetes and blood sugar fluctuations.

·         Being high in acidic content, it is directly linked to tooth decay and many other dental problems.

Despite of the numerous warnings by health authorities of the effects of sugar, the majority of the population continues consuming it in large amount in some form or the other.

There are lots of other alternatives available to satisfy your sweet tooth. The earth is full of natural sweet options like honey, jaggery, and fruits, they are wonderful alternatives. The sweeteners you can try like stevia or agave nectar. They are both good for baking, sweetening tea and whatever you use sugar for. Nothing is harmful till the time you don’t over consume it. So regulate your sugary intake and stay healthy and fit.