Although botanically green tomatoes are a fruit, as they grow from a flower and have seeds, they’re prepared and eaten like vegetables. Mostly available during winter, raw green tomatoes are common in marketplaces. But what are the health benefits of raw green tomatoes?
There are several health benefits of raw green tomatoes, including preventing cancer, hemolytic anemia, and premature aging. They’re high in dietary fiber and other key nutrients and minerals responsible for your body’s functionality. Being water-rich, they help keep your body and skin well-hydrated.
Let’s learn about raw green tomatoes’ various health benefits and nutritional value.
Health Benefits of Raw Green Tomatoes
Some of the health benefits of raw green tomatoes include:
Prevents Hemolytic Anaemia
Vitamin E found in green tomatoes helps prevent hemolytic anemia. Eating raw green tomatoes offers a source of vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron.
May Prevent Cancer
Green tomatoes offer a dietary source of antioxidants that may aid in preventing some types of cancers. Additionally, they contain Vitamin C and A, which boost the antibody levels in your body and help fight cancer cells.
American Cancer Centre recommends including colorful vegetables such as tomatoes in your balanced diet to help prevent cancer.
Research shows a bioactive compound called tourmaline, which is found in high amounts in green tomatoes, aids in fending off cancerous cells.
Prevents Premature Ageing
Beta carotene found in green tomatoes promotes healthy skin. Additionally, they are rich in Vitamin C, which helps produce skin cells. What’s more, the vitamin will help synthesize collagen that keeps your skin springy. As a result, you not only glow but look younger and wrinkle-free.
Apart from antioxidants that fight radicals that can damage your skin, tomatoes have vitamin A, which is important for your skin health. You’ll have a healthy complexion.
Help Control Blood Pressure
Raw green tomatoes are high in potassium and less in sodium. This may help control blood pressure. Also, they contain chlorogenic acid, a powerful antioxidant that aids in lowering elevated levels of blood pressure.
Improves Gut Health
Being incredibly rich in dietary fiber, green tomatoes aid in improving your gut health. Fiber helps in keeping your digestive system healthy by aiding in the multiplication of good gut bacteria. A healthy gut equals a healthy immune system, which allows your body to fight off pathogens.
Water for Hydration
According to research, green tomatoes are 94% water, which helps to keep you hydrated when exercising. Incorporate raw green tomatoes into your salad for that extra hydration to your skin and body. Munching on some slices of raw green tomatoes on a hot day is a great way to keep hydrated.
How to Consume Raw Green Tomatoes
Below are tips on how you can enjoy your raw green tomatoes:
Snacking: Add raw green tomatoes to your snack plate to balance it, lifting you out of your slump. Eating the tomatoes raw preserves the Vitamin C content, boosting your immunity. Thoroughly wash your tomatoes, slice them, add some salt, and drizzle some olive oil for a flavor boost.
Tomatoes add flavor and freshness to your snacks. Try adding several slices of raw green tomatoes to enjoy a high-fiber filling snack.
On Bread: Cut several slices of raw tomatoes and add them to your sandwich. This flavorful, nutrient-dense sandwich can be used for dinner, lunch, or breakfast.
In a salad: I love a yummy green salad full of tangy flavored crunchy tomatoes. This is one of the best ways to consume your raw tomatoes. It’s usually very fulfilling, healthy, and makes a delicious work lunch. Make your salad interesting by adding other colorful vegetables. Enjoy! Avocado, mache lettuce, green tomatoes, and jalapeno dressing make a great mouthwatering barbecue side dish.
Is It Good To Eat Raw Green Tomatoes Daily
Yes, raw green tomatoes have essential minerals and minerals. Additionally, they’re a versatile ingredient. If you love the tart flavor and would like to eat them daily, go for it. What’s more, they’re a healthy addition to your diet.
However, it’s important to note they’re high in acid, which might aggravate acid reflux symptoms for some people. It’s therefore advisable to limit your intake of tomatoes if you suffer from the above.
Conclusion
Raw green tomatoes have vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that help boost your health. The nutrients in raw green tomatoes help control elevated blood pressure, prevent some types of cancers, and improve skin health.
Whether in a sandwich, salad, or snack, you can enjoy your tomatoes daily. This is, however, not advisable for those who suffer from acid reflux as the acidity in them aggravates the condition. You may, therefore, need to limit your intake.
You can read more on the impressive health benefits of raw green tomatoes here.
