To most people, tomato and carrot have nothing in common than their fascinating colours which distinguish them in the company of other vegetables. However, beyond this their potent pigments lie the phytochemicals to reduce high blood pressure and other heart diseases, studies have found.
According to a study published in Am Heart Journal, a short-term treatment with antioxidant-rich tomato extract can reduce blood pressure in patients with grade-1 nypertension, naive to drug therapy.
The research which was titled: “Natural antioxidants from tomato extract reduce blood pressure in patients with grade-1 hypertension” was a single-blind, placebo-controlled trial, with thirty-one subjects with grade-1 hypertension, without concomitant diseases, who required no antihypertensive or lipid-lowering drug therapy, and who were recruited from primary care clinics, completed the trial.
In an exclusive interview with the Country Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Dr. Francis Aminu on the nutritional benefits of tomato and carrot, he said the high lycopene content in tomato and carrot is responsible for th decrease in blood pressure in humans.
According to him , “a meta-analysis performed on the effect of lycopene on systolic blood pressure of all trails suggested a significant blood pressure reducing effect (-5. 60 + 5.26 mmHg), but no significant effect on diastolic blood pressure. Blood pressure lowering properties of lycopene have been attributed to the stimulation of nitric oxide production in the endothelium”.
“In addition, it’s been found to prevent cancer of the breast, bladder, cervix, colon and rectum, stomach, lung, ovaries, pancreas, and prostate. It is also used to prevent diabetes, diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease), cataracts, and asthma”, he stated.
He further stated that leveraging on emerging science about tomatoes and tomato products may be one simple and effective strategy to help individuals increase vegetable intake, leading to improved overall eating patterns, and ultimately, better health.
Explaining the difference between heated and fresh tomato, he noted contrary to popular opinion that tomato products subjected to heat process have increased bioavailability of Lycopene rather than the anticipated decrease.
Aminu who is also a Public Health Nutritionist, said that “the nutritional content of fresh vegetables depends on various factors, including seasonality and availability in the region. Many vegetables travel long distances to end up in the produce section of the local grocery store. When vegetables are shipped across several states, they are exposed to extreme light, heat, and temperature conditions, which can cause a loss of important nutrients, such as thiamine and vitamins A and C. Many fresh vegetables that travel many miles by truck or boat are harvested before they reach peak ripeness, so vitamins and nutrients have not had the time to reach complete potency. The produce still may show outward signs of ripening, but the vegetables will never have the same nutritional composition as fully developed plants”.
“When tomato products are heat processed the bioavailability of the Lycopene actually increases rather than the anticipated decrease. US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Purdue University researchers are developing a tomato that contains more than twice as much lycopene and has a longer shelf life than currently available tomatoes. The tomato, which is still in development, is modified with a yeast gene that slows the ripening process, allowing more time for lycopene to accumulate”.
Health Benefits of Tomato and carrot Juice
Blood Pressure:
Tomato juice helps to lower blood pressure. Additionally, raw tomato juice is found to contain potassium. This is an essential mineral that is required for the human body to reduce malaise and general overall body weakness.
Heart:
Tomato juice is recommended for people who are suffering from heart conditions or who are recovering from heart attacks. This juice is almost always recommended for most patients who are recovering from various diseases.
Skin Care:
Tomato juice benefits for skin as well as tomato juice benefits for face are widely known among people all over the world. One drunk twice a day, it is found in some cases to reduce the presence of acne and get rid of an acne infection faster. This juice can aid in the prevention of damage to cells in the skin. Tomato juice benefits for the face also include the prevention of pimples. One can make a face pack using fresh tomato base. One should apply this puree over the affected areas of one’s skin at least twice in a day for 10 to 15 minutes each time. Tomato juice is also great in its ability to tighten open pores. Rinse this mixture off with some warm water. This tomato juice can mixed with other fresh fruits or vegetables to make great face packs. Try mixing some tomato juice with pieces of freshly cut papaya and try applying this on the face for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then wash off gently with warm water for best results. Similarly tomato juice can be mixed with other fresh ingredients to make some of the best face cleansers and packs.
Healthy Hair:
Tomato juice contains large amounts of vitamin A which helps in improving one’s eye sight. The vitamin A found in Tomato juice is also beneficial for good hair growth. It helps in keeping one’s hair strong and shiny.
Men:
Some other tomato juice benefits for men include the good effects it has on improving one’s appetite and also in aiding good digestion. Tomato juice is rich in Vitamin C which is additionally very good for pregnant women. Thus tomato juice benefits during pregnancy are also well known. This is a good nutrition for the babies.
Joints:
Vitamin C is also known for its ability to enhance one’s immune system. One can try drinking tomato juice for arthritis related problems. Tomato juice also helps in the prevention of inflammation and pain that is associated with arthritis. Instead it helps in strengthening the bones.
Alcoholics:
One could make use of tomato juice for alcoholics in order to get rid of the effects of a hangover. To lower the severity of a hangover one should mix about 100 ml of freshly squeezed tomato juice along with the same quantity of cucumber juice and about 10 ml of spinach juice. To this add a tablespoon of olive oil. The person should drink this tomato juice cocktail before they go to bed.
Digestive Problem:
Tomato juice is also known for its ability to prevent constipation problems. This juice should be mixed with fresh spinach juice. It helps to activate the person’s liver and thus prevent them getting constipated. One could also use tomato juice for diabetes because of its nutritional properties. Tomato juice is also recommended for those who are suffering from kidney stones and gall stones. For this the patients are advised to eat the tomatoes without any seeds in it. Tomato juice also works as a natural antiseptic and thus helps in guarding the human body against any kind of common infections in day to day life. Tomato juice can also helping in stopping diarrhea in some cases.
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