Health Topics
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Healthy Living
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February 2012
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| Super Tomatoes |
| Dr Panchali Moitra |
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Native cultures across the globe have long known the health benefits of the versatile tomatoes. It is a powerhouse of nutrients, which when added to our meals tends to rev up the health quotient. |
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All the goodness
- Lycopene (a carotenoid with potent antioxidant properties) in tomatoes fights free radical cellular damage and is linked with improvement in bone health.
- The antioxidant treasure in tomatoes also includes flavonols, glycosides and fatty acid derivatives which work wonders as a cardiovascular aid.
They reduce the oxidative stress in heart tissues and improve the flow of
oxygen across the bloodstream.
- Besides the phytonutrient content, being rich in Vitamin C and E helps tomatoes excel as a regulator of fat metabolism.
- Eating tomatoes or adding tomato extracts in any diet is shown to bring down the levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol.
- Tomato also contains Vitamin A which is good for the skin and immunity, and dietary fibre which keeps the blood sugar levels in control.
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That great skin!
- Anti-ageing aid: Reduces wrinkles and enlarges pores. Apply a tomato pulp and honey face pack.
- Astringent power: Use freshly extracted tomato juice as a natural astringent and apply on the face and neck. Add a teaspoon of milk or curd for it to act as a cleanser for normal to dry skin. For oily skin, go for lime juice with tomato juice instead of milk.
- Acne, rashes and blackheads remover: Slice up a tomato and apply gently on the face to reduce blackheads. Mash a ripened tomato and apply it on the acne spots, leave it on for a few minutes and then wash it away with clean water to witness a visible reduction of acne and skin rashes within a week of regular application.
- Complexion and face glow enhancer: Enjoy a refreshed brighter complexion after washing your face with a mixture comprising of freshly squeezed tomatoes and cucumber juice. The antibacterial properties combined with the rich array of
minerals present in tomatoes sets the foundation for a blemish-free healthy complexion.
- Sunburn remedy: Tomatoes are effective as a natural remedy for reddening of skin and nasty sunburns. A cooling tomato face wash with 2 teaspoon of tomato juiceand 3-4 tablespoon of buttermilk cleanses the dirt and removes sunburn.
Be sure to include the incredible tomato in the daily diet as salads, soups or in sandwiches and vegetables for healthier skin, stronger bones and a reduced risk towards cancer and heart ailments.
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Dr.Panchali Moitra is a Nutrition Expert, Weight Management Consultant and Specialist in Alternative Medicine |
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