Tuesday, February 26, 2013

HEALTH BENEFITS OF JACK FRUIT






Jackfruit is rich in important nutrient like vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, magnesium and many other nutrients.

Health Benefits of Jackfruit

1.Strengthen Immune System

Jackfruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful nutrient which helps protect against viral and bacterial infections. Vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system function by supporting the white blood cells function. One cup of jackfruit can supply the body a very good amount of this powerful antioxidant.

2.Protect against Cancer

In addition to containing vitamin C, jackfruit is also rich in phytonutrients such as lignans, isoflavones and saponins which have anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. These phytonutrients may help eliminate cancer-causing free radicals from the body and slow the degeneration of cells that can lead to degenerative diseases.

3.Aids in healthy digestion

Jackfruit is also known to contain anti-ulcer properties which help cure ulcers and digestive disorders. In addition, the present of high fiber in the jackfruit prevents constipation and helps in smooth bowel movements. These fibers also offer protection against colon mucous membrane by removing the driving away the carcinogenic chemicals from the large intestine (colon).

4.Maintain a Healthy Eye and Skin

Jackfruit contains vitamin A, a powerful nutrient which known to maintain a healthy eye and skin. It also helps prevent vision-related problems such as macular degeneration and night blindness.

5.Boost Energy

Jackfruit is considered as an energy generating fruit due to the presence of simple sugars like fructose and sucrose which give you an almost immediate energy boost. Although Jackfruit is energy rich fruit but it contains no saturated fats or cholesterol making it one of healthy fruit to savor!

6.Lower High Blood Pressure

Potassium contain in Jackfruit has been found to be helpful in the lowering of blood pressure and thus reducing the risk of heart attack as well as stroke.

7.Control Asthma

The root of Jackfruit has been found to help those who suffer from asthma. Boiling the jackfruit root and its extract has been found to control asthma.

8.Strengthen the Bone

Jackfruit is rich in magnesium, a nutrient which important in the absorption of calcium and work with calcium to help strengthen the bone and prevent bone related disorders such as osteoporosis.

9.Prevent Anemia

Jackfruit also contains iron which helps to prevent anemia and also helps in proper blood circulation in our body.

10.Maintain a Healthy Thyroid

Copper plays an important role in the thyroid metabolism, especially in hormone production and absorption and Jackfruit is loaded with this important micromineral.

Friday, February 22, 2013

HEART ATTACK AND ITS SYMPTOMS


What Is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack occurs if the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a section of heart muscle suddenly becomes blocked. If blood flow isn't restored quickly, the section of heart muscle begins to die.

Heart attacks are a leading killer of both men and women . The good news is that excellent treatments are available for heart attacks. These treatments can save lives and prevent disabilities.

Heart attack treatment works best when it's given right after symptoms occur.

Overview

Heart attacks most often occur as a result of coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease. CHD is a condition in which a waxy substance called plaque (plak) builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart.

When plaque builds up in the arteries, the condition is called atherosclerosis (ath-er-o-skler-O-sis). The buildup of plaque occurs over many years.

Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture (break open) inside of an artery. This causes a blood clot to form on the plaque's surface. If the clot becomes large enough, it can mostly or completely block blood flow through a coronary artery.

If the blockage isn't treated quickly, the portion of heart muscle fed by the artery begins to die. Healthy heart tissue is replaced with scar tissue. This heart damage may not be obvious, or it may cause severe or long-lasting problems.

A less common cause of heart attack is a severe spasm (tightening) of a coronary artery. The spasm cuts off blood flow through the artery. Spasms can occur in coronary arteries that aren't affected by atherosclerosis.

Heart attacks can be associated with or lead to severe health problems, such as heart failure and life-threatening arrhythmias (ah-RITH-me-ahs).

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats. Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia that can cause death if not treated right away.


Get Help Quickly
Acting fast at the first sign of heart attack symptoms can save your life and limit damage to your heart. Treatment works best when it's given right after symptoms occur.

Heart attack symptoms include:

Chest pain or discomfort. This involves uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest that can be mild or strong. This discomfort or pain often lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.

Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or upper part of the stomach.
Shortness of breath, which may occur with or before chest discomfort.

Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), vomiting, light-headedness or sudden dizziness, or breaking out in a cold sweat.

Symptoms also may include sleep problems, fatigue (tiredness), and lack of energy.


Thursday, February 21, 2013

TIPS TO REDUCE THE LDL CHOLESTEROL LEVELS


LDL Cholesterol or bad cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Fortunately, unlike other risk factors, you may be able to lower or reduce your LDL cholesterol levels if they are already high. In healthy range, LDL cholesterol levels should be under 160 mg/ dL. If your LDL cholesterol levels are higher than that, then you are in high LDL levels and should reduce it to prevent the risk of heart disease and other complications.

There are many cholesterol medications are available on the market to reduce LDL cholesterol, your health care specialist may use therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) to see the levels of your LDL before treatment is required. So, whether you want to prevent your LDL cholesterol from increasing or reduce your LDL cholesterol, these methods have been proven to help:

1.Weight Loss and Healthy Diet

Having a high body mass index (BMI) not only puts you at a risk for heart disease and other health problems, it also can be associated with high LDL levels. Research has shown that losing even few pounds (5% to 10%) can help lower LDL levels. 
Although studies have shown that losing weight can helps reduce LDL cholesterol, eating a healthy diet is also helpful. Foods that are low in saturated fat and high in soluble fiber have been proven to be helpful in reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
The combination of weight loss and healthy diet may contribute to 20% reduction in LDL levels.

2.Exercise

Exercise is not only good for losing weight, but it also help lower your cholesterol levels especially the “bad” cholesterol. Aerobic exercises, like running jogging, biking, and swimming, seem to benefit most by lowering cholesterol about 5% to 10%. Another form of exercise, like walking, yoga and weight training, also has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. However, these forms of exercise has not extensively as aerobic exercise.

3.Quit Smoking 

Smoking cessation not only has a great impact on the level of HDL or “good” cholesterol, it may also slightly lower the LDL cholesterol levels. Smoking is associated with high cholesterol levels and the formation of harmful oxidized LDL cholesterol is called LDL. Oxidized LDL is a form of LDL that contributes to atherosclerosis. Several studies have shown that quitting smoking can lower LDL cholesterol levels to around 5%. Research also shown that cholesterol levels and oxidized forms of LDL, will be reduced as soon as you quit smoking.

4.Drinks Alcohol in Moderation

Although moderate consumption of alcohol was significantly raise levels of HDL cholesterol, it also can lower LDL cholesterol by around 4 to 8 percent. Moderate consumption means one drink a day for women, and two drinks per day for men. The study also showed that drinking more than three alcoholic drinks a day can really improve your chances of getting heart disease.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BANANA





Banana provides many important nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium, that can help prevent diseases and keep your body healthy.

Apart from that, banana is also rich in fiber content and natural sugars, like sucrose, fructose, and glucose, making it a great source of energy and easily digested fruit.

Health benefits of Banana

1.Allergies 

Banana is very useful for those who are allergic to certain foods. Unlike other protein foods, which contain amino acids that those people can not tolerate and may causes allergy. Bananas contain only benign amino-acids which in many cases are not allergic.

2.Anemia

Being high in iron content, bananas are beneficial in the treatment of anemia. They helps stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood.

3.Boost Energy

Fructose, glucose, and sucrose contained in bananas will give an instant and sustainable amount of energy. 

4.Constipation and Diarrhea
Bananas are a good remedy for constipation and diarrhea as they can help normalize bowel functions. They also have the ability to change the harmful bacteria in the intestines become the beneficial acidophilic bacilli.

5.Dysentery

Mashed banana together with little salt is an excellent medicine for dysentery. Ripe bananas are also useful in treatment of dysentery on children, but they should mashed and process to cream before apply it.

6.Hangover

The mixture of banana milkshake with honey is A good medicine for hangover. Banana calm your stomach, along with milk, it helps rehydrates your system. Honey is also comfort your stomach and control your blood sugar and potassium levels back to normal.

7.Helps to stop smoking

Nutrients contain in banana such as vitamins A1, B6, B12, C, magnesium, and potassium helps withdraw nicotine from the body.

8.Intestine Disorder

The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its easy to digest. This is the only raw fruit which can be eaten without distress in chronic ulcer cases. Ripe bananas are very useful to treat ulcerative colitis. Being a soft, smooth, and easily digested, they help out acute symptoms and support healing process.

9.Improve brain function and keep alertness

Potassium found in the bananas is a good source to improve brain function and keep alertness. So add a banana to your breakfast before you start the day.

10.Kidney Disorders

Being of their low protein and salt and high carbohydrate content, bananas are valuable in kidney disorder. They are useful in uremia, a toxic condition of the blood die to kidney congestion and dysfunction. In such cases, a diet of banana should only be taken for 3 to 4 days with consuming 8 to 9 banana a day. This diet is suitable for all kidney problems, including nephritis.

11.Menstrual disorders

Cooked banana flower and eat with curd is considered an effective medicine for cure menstrual disorders like excessive bleeding and painful menstruation. Banana flower helps increase progesterone hormone which reduces the bleeding.

12.Over weight

Diet consists of bananas and skim milk are considered as an effective remedies for weight loss.

13.Reduce the risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

Bananas are an excellent source of potassium which helps keep body electrolyte and fluids balance in body cells and helps in controlling blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. 

14.Urinary Disorders

Juice from banana stem is well known remedies for urinary disorders. It increases the kidney and liver function, thus reducing discomfort and pain conditions in it. It has been found very helpful to remove stones in the kidney and prostate.


HEALTH BENEFITS OF POTATOES



1.Weight gain

Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates and less protein. This makes it an ideal diet for those who are thin and want to increase body weight. The vitamins contained in potatoes like vitamin-C and B-complex are also essential for proper absorption of this carbohydrate. 

2.Digestion 

Since potatoes rich in carbohydrates, so it is easy to digest and facilitate digestion. This makes them a good diet for patients, babies and those who difficult to digest but require energy.

3.Skin care

Vitamin-C, B-complex and minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc are good source for the skin care. Pulp obtained in crushed raw potatoes, mixed with honey, can also be applied as a poultice in clearing the wrinkles and other skin blemishes due to aging.

4.Brain function

Proper brain function largely depend on oxygen supply, glucose level, magnesium, some members of the vitamin B complex and some hormones, such as amino acids and fatty acids like omega-3 fatty acids. Potatoes meet almost all the needs mentioned above. In addition, it contains certain other substances like zinc and phosphorus which are good for brain too.

5.Inflammation

Nutrient contained in potatoes like vitamin C, vitamin B and potasium are good source to relieve inflammation, both internal and external such as inflammation of intestines and the digestive system. Since it’s soft and easy digestible then make them a good diet for those who have mouth ulcers.

6.Rheumatism

Some nutrient like vitamins, calcium and magnesium in potatoes can help reduce rheumatism.
Apart from some health benefits mentioned above, potatoes are also good for heart, energy recovery when diarrhea and other illnesses. 

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CARROTS




carrots are also good sources of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin K, biotin, fiber, potassium and thiamine.Here are  health benefits of carrots for human body:

1.Prevent Cancer

Many studies shown that eating carrots may help lower the risk of breast cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer. Recently, researchers have isolated a compound called falcarinol in carrots that may be largely responsible for anti-cancer benefits. Falcarinol is a natural pesticide found in carrots that protects roots from fungal diseases. In daily diet, carrots are almost the only source of these compounds. 

2.Improve Vision

The retina of the eye needs vitamin A to function, lack of vitamin A causes night blindness. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a substance which converted into vitamin A in the liver. In the retina, vitamin A is transformed into rhodopsin, a purple pigment that necessary for night vision. In addition, beta-carotene help protect against macular degeneration and the development of senile cataracts. 

3.Prevent heart disease

Studies shown that a diet high in carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Also, it is believed that regular consumption of carrots reduces cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber in carrots can help lower blood cholesterol levels by binding with and removing bile acids, cholesterol triggers would be pulled out from the bloodstream to make more bile acids.

4.Reduce the risk of stroke

According to research from Harvard University, people who ate more than six carrots a week are much less likely to suffer a stroke than those who ate only one carrot a month or more.

5.Nourish Skin

Carrot has a strong cleansing properties that are effective in detoxifying the liver, thus very effective for acne that is caused by toxins from the blood. Carrot is also useful for treating uneven skin tones due to pigmentation. The vitamin A and other nutrients contained in carrot efficiently nourish the skin, prevent dry skin and other skin blemishes.

6.Anti-aging

Carrots contain a lot of beta-carotene, which serves as an antioxidant that helps the body to fight against free radicals. It also help slows down the aging of cells and various negative effect associated with aging.

7.Dental Health

Carrots can even help clean your teeth, and is the best way to keep your mouth clean after meals. They act as natural abrasives that help in eliminating the dirt and plague from the teeth and gums. They also trigger a lot of saliva, which helps to scrub away stains on your teeth. Minerals in carrots helps to kill germs in the mouth and prevent tooth damage.

Carrots are really an amazing vegetable. There are many benefits of carrots and they are easy to add to your diet without much extra preparation. Carrots, either as raw fruit juice or in cooked form are good for health.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Health Benefits of Cabbage





  1. Increased Immune Function
  2. Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
  3. Protection Against Heart Disease
  4. Slowing Aging
  5. DNA Repair and Protection
  6. Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
  7. Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
  8. Osteoporosis Protection
  9. Stroke Prevention
  10. Antioxidant Protection
  11. Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
  12. Cabbage is known to contain powerful antioxidants which can help reduce the risk of cancer, and breast cancer in particular. Cabbage also contains an amino acid called glutamine which is highly anti-inflammatory and effective in treating peptic acid ulcers.


Friday, February 15, 2013

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CINNAMON

Cinnamon:


 It takes not more than a half teaspoon of cinnamon powder every day to keep cancer risk away. A natural food preservative, cinnamon is a source of iron and calcium. Useful in reducing tumour growth, it blocks the formation of new vessels in the human body. Some of the effective ways of including cinnamon in your diet are:

-Start your day with a cup of cinnamon tea (in leaf or sachet)
-Make your breakfast meal a super healthy one; just add this wonder spice to your
morning oatmeal and you are going well!
-A fruity delight comprising chopped apples, a few walnuts and your magic potion cinnamon
-Honey and cinnamon in your glass of milk before going to bed; no cancer nightmares assured!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

TIPS FOR HAIR

Here are foods that can work wonders on the texture of your hair

Eggs: Eggs have a special vitamin called biotin which encourages hair growth and leads to thicker, fuller locks. Lack of biotin in your diet leads to dry, brittle hair. Eggs are responsible for your scalp's overall health.

Dark green vegetables: Popeye was right to promote spinach. Spinach, broccoli and other green vegetables have vitamin A and C, which create a natural scalp oil that works as a hair conditioner.

Strawberries: Strawberries not only make a great dessert ingredient but are also rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C rich fruits like strawberries absorb iron and promote healthy hair growth. Eating a few strawberries a day can give you luscious, long hair. 

Nuts: Nuts is a source of natural fat that your body requires for survival. Peanuts, almonds and other nuts have biotin and restore natural oil and shine.

Salmon: High in protein, salmon helps maintain strong, healthy hair. It loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which support scalp health.

Beans: Beans are an excellent source of iron and protein. They have nutrients that nourish hair and banish hair loss.

Friday, February 8, 2013

HOW TO INCREASE THE GOOD CHOLESTEROL LEVELS



Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that provides energy to the body's cells. Produced from the carbs and fats that we eat, cholesterol is extremely essential for the body to work in a proper manner; however, too much cholesterol in the body leads to its build-up in the walls of our arteries and this increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, it becomes essential to lower cholesterol in your daily diet, especially if tests have proved that your levels are too high.

Cholesterol is divided into two parts: LDL and HDL. Low Density Lipoprotein leads to clogged arteries. Today we look at HDL and how good cholesterol foods are important to fight LDL.

Good cholesterol: What is HDL?

HDL or High Density Lipoprotein: To go from point A to point B you need transport. Same 
theory applies for the bloodstream, for good cholesterol to be transported you need a carrier, that's HDL. 

HDL also acts like a 
filter - it reduces and reuses LDL. Hence it is important to lower cholesterol and one way to fight it is through good cholesterol food. Following are food items that will help you boost your good cholesterol level.

Facts about good cholesterol


- HDL cholesterol normally makes up 20%-30% of your total blood cholesterol.

- There is evidence that HDL helps protect against the accumulation of plaques (fatty deposits) in the walls of coronary arteries.

- Research suggests that a five-point drop in HDL cholesterol is linked to a 25% increase in heart disease risk.

- In prospective studies -- that is, studies that follow participants for a period of time to watch for events like heart attacks or death from heart disease -- HDL usually proves to be the lipid risk factor most linked to heart disease risk.

- HDL cholesterol levels are thought to be impacted by genetics.

- 
Women typically have higher HDL cholesterol levels than men. About a third of men and about a fifth of women have HDL levels below 40 mg/dL. Doctors consider levels of less than 40 mg/dL to be low.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 1

Exercise

20-30 minutes of aerobic exercise on three four times a week can spike you good cholesterol. Experts suggest that at least 40 minutes to 
60 minutes of exercise on a daily basis helps in lowering 5 to 10% of LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol can be raised between 3 to 6%. Irrespective of whatever type, intensity and genre of exercise, you go for, it is an essential component of your cholesterol-lowering regimen. 

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 2

Kick the butt

You can raise your HDL levels by discontinuing your 
smoking habit by almost four points.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 3

Weight loss

Losing four kgs of weight can increase your good cholesterol by one and a half points. Try and keep your BMI 25 or lower than that.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 4

Choose fat wisely

Cut down on saturated and trans fat from your diet every day. These tend to increase bad cholesterol and decrease good cholesterol. Instead replace them with unsaturated fats - flaxseed oil, olive oil, rice bran oil etc. These oils still have calories so keep their usage in moderation; you don't want to put on calories while raising your HDL.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 5

No no for simple carbohydrates.

Avoid foods that are high glycemic foods, like cakes, cookies, processed cereals, white breads etc. They can lower your HDL and raise the levels of another fat in your bloodstream, triglycerides.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 6

Drink in moderation

We aren't promoting 
alcoholism nor are we banning it completely, studies have found that one drink per day for women and two for men can increase good cholesterol levels by four points. For those with addiction problems or liver disease read ahead to get safer HDL increasing tips.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 7

Fibre

Fibers in our, vegetables, nuts and grains spike good cholesterol levels in our body, so hog on to salads as your mid meal snack. Also a handful of nuts can boost your HDL drastically. Try out vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, carrots, Brussels sprouts, greens, pumpkin and sweet potatoes. These veggies have the power to control your LDL. For added benefits, add a wide range of colour to your plate - include greens, orange, and yellow in your diet.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 8

Fruits

Bananas, pears, apples, avocados, prunes and berries are rich in calcium, antioxidants and fiber, but they can lower your LDL. Among fruit juices, orange juice stands at the top of the list; it's a great way to energise, stay cool and healthy with just a glass.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 9

Avoid anabolic steroids

Acording to Webmed, "Anabolic steroids are drugs such as testosterone or substances that work liketestosterone. Doctors prescribe them to treat problems such as delayed pubertyand other medical problems that cause the body to make very low amounts of testosterone.

These decrease your HDL levels, in addition to all their other potential health dangers.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 10

Medication therapy

Vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid works as a best therapy for for raising HDL levels.Studies have shown increases of 20 percent to 35 percent. This may have side effects like a racing heart or flushing so its recommended to be taken in small doses in the beginning to minimize these effects

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 11

Other dietary ways

Cranberry juice has been shown to increase HDL levels. Fish and other foods containing omega-3 fatty acids can also increase HDL levels. Calcium supplementation can increase good cholesterol in post menopausal women. India is surrounded by sea and has several large perennial rivers, hence there is no reason to not eat fish. Indians can source natural Omega 3 from Indian salmon or raavas, sardines or trale, mackerel or bangda, Tuna or chura, and ghol fish. Omega 3 not only reduces cholesterol but also High Blood Pressure.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 12

Soy

The protein present in soybean protects against various heart ailments. Soybean helps in lowering bad cholesterol and simultaneously increases good cholesterol.

An analysis found that soy protein, plus the isoflavones found in soy "raised HDL levels 3%, which could reduce coronary heart disease risk about 5%," says Mark Messina, PhD, a nationally known soy expert.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 13

Oats

Fibrous food lowers the absorption of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream. Consumption of oats or oatmeal should be on your diet if you love deep fried food and a good drizzle of oil now and then. Why? Well simply put, oats have a high fiber content that reduces LDL in the blood.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 14

Yogurt
Bacteria present in curds are a treasure trove for enzymes that improve your digestive tract. Plus yogurt contains HDL. However, it is advisable to go for low fat curds.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 15

Dark chocolate

Now-a-days you can have chocolate in your sandwich, as fondue, as a dip. Make your choice but always settle for dark chocolate. You want to live long and stay ageless!

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 16

Popeye power: Spinach

Popeye the sailor was quite right when crediting his muscle power to this green leafy vegetable. It is believed that spinach contains around 13 flavonoid compounds which keep us away from
cancer, heart diseases and osteoporosis. 1/2 cup of this lutein-rich food daily guards us against heart attacks.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 17

Garlic

Garlic helps lower cholesterol and fights plaque that 
clogs your arteries.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 18

Blueberries

Compounds present in blueberries are good for your heart. Eating blueberries regularly can sharpen your mind as well as lower bad cholesterol level.
Eat not more than 3-4 garlic cloves each day, to obtain maximum heart benefits.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 19

Okra or Lady finger

This vegetable is a great agent for lowering bad cholesterol, because it is a good source of soluble fibre. But avoid frying these, as that would diminish their nutritional properties.

Raise your good cholesterol levels Tip # 20

Green tea

Results may vary from individual to individual, but some studies suggest that drinking green tea early in the morning may fight high cholesterol

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TAMATO





Anti-oxidant: Tomatoes contain a lot of vitamins A and C, mostly because of beta-carotene, and these vitamins act as an anti-oxidant, working to neutralize dangerous free radicals in the blood stream. Free radicals in the body can be flushed out with high levels of Lycopene, and the tomato is so amply loaded with this vital anti-oxidant that it actually derives its rich redness from the nutrient. These dangerous free radicals can cause cell damage. Also, remember that cooking destroys much of vitamin C, so stick to raw tomatoes for these benefits. So, do remember to carry a tomato-cucumber sandwich in your tiffin box. 

Vision: Because of all that vitamin A, tomatoes are also an excellent food to help improve your vision. This also means tomatoes can help your eyes be better about night blindness. 

Cancer: Various studies have shown that because of all that lycopene in tomatoes, the red fruit helps to lessen the chances of prostate 
cancer in men, and also reduces the chance of stomach cancer and colorectal cancer. Lycopene is considered somewhat of a natural miracle anti-oxidant that may help to stop the growth of cancer cells. And, interestingly enough, cooked tomatoes produce more lycopene than do raw tomatoes, so enjoy that tomato soup! 

Heart troubles: Due to potassium and vitamin B, tomatoes help to lower blood pressure and to lower high cholesterol levels. This, in turn, could help prevent strokes, heart attack and other potentially life-threatening heart problems. 

Skin care: Because of high amounts of lycopene, tomatoes are excellent for skin care. Make sure the inside of the tomato skins are against your skin, and let this be there for at least 10 minutes. Then wash off. You face will be cleaner and give a shiny look. 

Hair: Remember all that vitamin A in tomatoes? Well, it's good for keeping your hair strong and shiny, and its also good for your eyes, teeth, skin and bones. 

Bones: Tomatoes have a fair amount of vitamin K and calcium, both of which help to strengthen bones.