Tomatoes belong to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family and are widely cultivated all over the world. Colorful and ripe with sweet, tangy flavor, tomatoes are a versatile culinary fruit that can be eaten raw or cooked into delicious dishes.
Tomatoes not only taste good but are also high in nutritional value. Rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, essential amino acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, phytosterols, and more—tomatoes are an excellent source of nutrients and bioactive compounds.
Let’s explore the benefits of tomatoes and the best ways to eat them.
1. Tomatoes Nourish the Heart and Reduce Blood Clots
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory believes that the five colors and five flavors of food correspond to the five internal organs of the human body. The TCM classic “Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine: Dysfunction of the Five Zang Viscera, Chapter 10,” states: …