Tomatoes are one of the most widely cultivated crops in the world and an important source of vitamins. While technically a fruit, tomatoes are commonly used as a vegetable. Tomatoes originated in Peru and were domesticated by the Aztecs over 2,000 years ago before being introduced to Europe by Spanish conquistadors. Tomatoes provide many health benefits due to their antioxidant and nutrient content, such as lowering cholesterol and risk of heart disease, managing blood pressure, providing antioxidant protection, and protecting against various cancers. Tomatoes can also aid digestion, bone and skin health, and help manage conditions like diabetes and asthma.

3. Tomato a very
versatile vegetable
By
Mr. Allah Dad Khan

4. Tomato and World
Tomato is one of the most widely cultivated crops in the world. It is an
important source of vitamins and an important cash crop for smallholders
and medium-scale commercial farmers.

5. Botanical Name
The botanical name for the tomato plant is Lycopersicon esculentum. It is
a member of the Solanaceae family, also known as the nightshade family,
which includes potatoes, peppers, paprika, petunias, tobacco, and the
poisonous belladonna and jimson weed

6. Names of Tomato
Common names for the tomato are: tomate (Spain, France), tomat
(Indonesia), faan ke’e (China), tomati (West Africa), tomatl (Nahuatl),
jitomate (Mexico), pomodoro (Italy), nyanya (Swahili).

7. Origin of tomato
• Tomato is originated in Peru of South America and name of crop came from the
Aztec word “Tomato”. The crop is of recent origin and first report of tomato was
from Italy in 1544. Later spread was fast and the crop is grown throughout the
length and breadth of world.

8. History of Tomato
Although tomatoes are closely associated with Italian cuisine, they are
actually originally native to the western side of South America. Tomatoes
have been grown in Mexico for more than 2,000 years.
The Spanish conquistadors who came to Mexico shortly after Columbus's
discovery of the New World "discovered" tomatoes and brought the seeds
back to Spain, beginning the introduction of the tomato into Europe.

9. History of tomato contd
The tomato was eaten by the Aztecs as early as 700 AD and called the
“tomatl,” (its name in Nahuatl), and wasn’t grown in Britain until the
1590s. In the early 16th century, Spanish conquistadors returning from
expeditions in Mexico and other parts of Mesoamerica were thought to
have first introduced the seeds to southern Europe. Some researchers
credit Cortez with bringing the seeds to Europe in 1519 for ornamental
purposes. Up until the late 1800s in cooler climates, tomatoes were solely
grown for ornamental purposes in gardens rather than for eating

10. History of Tomato contd
After traveling for more than a thousand years, the tomato has now
reached six continents and has become the most important processed
vegetable in America. The average American consumes more than 23
pounds of processed tomatoes each year. Vine-ripened and processed
tomatoes are among the vegetables highest in potassium, vitamins A and
C, fiber, lycopene and even protein. After the potato, tomatoes contribute
the greatest amount of nutrients to the American diet.

11. Myth about Tomato
The British thought the tomato was poisonous, but the French called it the
“apple of love.” Tomatoes are full of healthy nutrients that help your heart
stay strong and can help improve your memory.

12. Is tomato a fruit or vegetable ?
1. The confusion about 'fruit' and 'vegetable' arises because of the
differences in usage between scientists and cooks. Scientifically
speaking, a tomato is definitely a fruit. True fruits are developed
from the ovary in the base of the flower, and contain the seeds of
the plant (though cultivatedforms may be seedless). Blueberries,
raspberries, and oranges are true fruits, and so are many kinds of
nut. Some plants have a soft part which supports the seeds and is
also called a 'fruit',
2. The term 'vegetable' is more generally used of other edible parts
of plants, such as cabbage leaves, celery stalks, and potato tubers,
which are not strictly the fruit of the plant from which they come.
3. So, the answer to the question is that a tomato is technically the
fruit of the tomato plant, but it's used as a vegetable in cooking.

13. Beifits in General;
• Tomatoes contribute to a healthy, well-balanced diet. They are rich in
minerals, vitamins, essential amino acids, sugars and dietary fibres.
Tomato contains much vitamin B and C, iron and phosphorus. Tomato
fruits are consumed fresh in salads or cooked in sauces, soup and meat or
fish dishes. They can be processed into purées, juices and ketchup.
Canned and dried tomatoes are economically important processed
products.

14. Advantages of tomato:
1. relatively short duration vegetable crop
2. short or long production period
3. can be grown as an uncovered field crop and
in protected cultivation
4. fits easily into different cropping systems
5. has high economic value
6. has high micronutrient content
7. can be processed, dried and canned

15. Is tomato a fruit or vegetable
1. The question of whether a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable actually made
it all the way to the United States Supreme Court! In the 1893 case of Nix
v. Hedden, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that, for purposes of
the Tariff Act of March 3, 1883, tomatoes are vegetables.
2. The Supreme Court relied on the fact that tomatoes are usually used as
vegetables since they’re normally served with dinner and not dessert.

16. Colourful History
1. At first it was thought to be poisonous and was grown as a decorative garden shrub. Although
a member of the nightshade family, with strongly aromatic leaves and stems that are toxic,
the fruit proved to be completely harmless.
2. Likely this newcomer to Europe was yellow, since the Italians called it pomodoro(golden
apple). The English called it tomate and later tomato, but the term “love apple” also became
fashionable. From Europe the tomato made the long journey back across the Atlantic to
North America, where eventually, during the 19th century, it became an important food.

17. Nutritive Values of Tomato : Per 100 gm.
1) Vitamin A : 1,000 I.U.
2) Vitamin B : Thiamine .06 mg.;
3) Vitamin C : 23 mg.
4) Vitamin K : amount uncertain
5) Calcium : 11 mg.
6) Iron : .6 mg.
7) Phosphorus : 27 mg.
8) Potassium : 360 mg.
9) Protein : 1.0 gm.
10) Calories : 20

18. Health benefits of tomato
1. Tomatoes help lower cholesterol
Since a tomato has 0 grams of cholesterol, it doesn’t add cholesterol to the
diet. Plus, a cup of fresh tomato provides 9% of the DV for fiber, which has
been shown to lower high cholesterol levels.

19. 2. Tomatoes reduce the risk of heart disease
• Tomatoes are a very good source of potassium. Diets rich in potassium
have been shown to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of
heart disease. Vitamin B6 and folate, each present in tomatoes in good
amounts, are both needed by the body to convert a potentially dangerous
chemical called homocysteine into other, benign molecules. High levels of
homocysteine can directly damage blood vessel walls and are associated
with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

20. 3. Tomatoes manages blood pressure
• In order to lower blood pressure you have to get lower sodium amount.
High sodium consumption will increase blood pressure. Instead, high
potassium consumption will help you decrease risk of drying due to blood
pressure about 20 %.

21. 4. Tomatoes provide antioxidant protection
from cell damage
Tomatoes are an outstanding source of the antioxidant lycopene.
Antioxidants travel through the body, neutralizing dangerous free radicals
that could otherwise damage cells and cell membranes. Free radicals
escalate the progression or severity of atherosclerosis, diabetic
complications, asthma, and colon cancer. High intakes of lycopene have
been shown to help reduce the risk or severity of all of these illnesses.

22. 5. Tomatoes protect the prostate
Studies show that eating tomatoes reduce the risk of many cancers, and
prostate cancer in particular

23. 6. Tomato as flavonoid
Zea-xanthin is another flavonoid compound present abundantly in this
vegetable. Zea-xanthin helps protect eyes from "age-related macular
related macular disease" (ARMD) in the elderly persons by filtering
harmful ultra-violet rays.

24. 7. Tomatoes help regulate blood sugar
Tomatoes are a good source of chromium, which has been
shown to help diabetic patients keep their blood sugar levels
under control

25. 8. Tomatoes counteract acidosis
Acidosis, according to the medical community, is a common cause of
calcium loss, fatigue, headaches, sleeplessness, muscle aches, acne,
eczema, arteriosclerosis, sexual dysfunction, hormone imbalance,
depression, and many degenerative conditions.

26. 9. Tomatoes help reduce migraines
Tomatoes are a good source of riboflavin, which has been shown to be helpful
for reducing the frequency of migraine attacks.

27. 10. Tomatoes boost immunity
Tomatoes have been credited by experts with helping to avoid flu and
colds, especially for males. According to the medical community, these
common illnesses are widely believed to be rooted in carotenoid
deficiencies, including low amounts of lycopene and beta carotene in a
patient’s system. Drinking tomato juices assists in building defenses
against colds and flu.

28. 11. Tomatoes provide natural sunscreen
Researchers at the University of Dusseldorf (Germany) observed subjects
who consumed tomato paste for a minimum of 10 weeks. Absorption of
UV rays was 40% lower than subjects in the control group, showing
lycopene in tomatoes works as a natural sunscreen and provide protection
against UV rays

29. 12. Tomatoes strengthen bones
The vitamin K and calcium in tomatoes are both very good for strengthening
and repairing bones. Vitamin K in tomatoes helps osteocalcin does its
work to harden calcium and make bones strong. To fight osteoporosis (a
common disease due to low bone mass) Lycopene in tomatoes helps a
great way. Osteoporosis that results in a significantly increased risk of
bone fracture and disability in older people can be preventing by
consuming high amount of tomatoes.

30. 13. Tomatoes improve vision
Vitamin A is essential to maintaining the health of the retina. Its deficiency
contributes to the development of night blindness. A one cup serving of
fresh tomatoes provides 30% DV of vitamin A, a high concentration which
prevents necessary shortage and promotes eye health

31. 14.Tomato Maintain Nutrition :
A single tomato can provide about 40% of the daily vitamin C
requirement. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant which prevents against
cancer-causing free radicals from damaging the body’s systems. It also
contains abundant vitamin A and potassium, as well as iron. Potassium
plays a vital role in maintaining nerve health and iron is essential for
maintaining normal blood health. Vitamin K, which is essential in blood
clotting and controls bleeding, is also abundant in tomatoe

32. 15.Tomato Counters the Effect of Cigarette
Smoke:
The two main components of tomatoes, coumaric acid and chlorogenic
acid, fight against nitrosamines which are produced in the body and are
the main carcinogens found in cigarettes. The presence of vitamin A in
such high quantities has also been shown to reduce the effects of
carcinogens and can protect you against lung cancer

33. 16. Tomato Digestive Health:
Tomatoes can help you fight risk of constipation. Fiber and water in
tomatoes will improve your digestive system and can combat
diarrhea very well. Additionally, tomatoes can support your body to
remove toxins and adjust bowel movements in your body. You can
add tomatoes in salad, sandwiches, and other recipes to get the
best results.

34. 17.Tomato Manages Diabetes:
Tomatoes are packed full of the valuable mineral known as chromium. It
works effectively to help diabetics keep their blood sugar levels under
better control. Daily consumption of tomatoes reduces the oxidative stress
in type 2 diabetes.

35. 18. Tomatoes benefits Healthy Skin:
Tomatoes aid in maintaining healthy teeth, bones, hair and skin. Topical
application of tomato juice is even known to cure severe sunburns. Daily
consumption of tomatoes protects the skin against UV-
induced erythema. Tomatoes rank high in the preparation of anti-aging
products.

36. 19.Tomato Prevents Urinary Tract Infections:
Tomato intake also reduces the incidence ofurinary tract infections, as
well as bladder cancer. This is because tomatoes are high in water content,
which can stimulate urination, so tomatoes are a diuretic in certain ways.
This increases the elimination of toxins from the body, as well as excess
water, salts, uric acid, and some fat as well

37. 20.Tomato prevent cancer
Lycopene is considered somewhat of a natural miracle anti-oxidant that
may help to stop the growth of cancer cells. lycopene in tomatoes, helps
to lessen the chances of prostate cancer, stomach cancer and colorectal
cancer. Vitamin C in tomatoes is a natural antioxidant which acts against
cancer-causing free radicals

38. 21.Tomato Reduces Depression
Do you believe that stress reduction is one of the best benefits of
tomatoes? That is true. Tomatoes contain folic acid that can prevent
the homocyteine production and protect your brain, as well as
prevent blood. Tomatoes are high in antioxidants and can combat
several cancer forms.

39. 22.Tomatoes prevent thrombosis
If you are wondering benefits of tomatoes, you should read this
information. Drinking 8 ounces of tomato juice will lower platelet
aggregation. To prevent thrombosis, you should intake low sodium tomato
juice.

40. 23. Tomatoes fight inflammation
If you really want to avoid inflammation, keep drinking a glass of tomato
juice per day. Tomatoes not only help you prevent other harmful diseases
such as cancer, heart diseases, digestion problems, but they also help you
fight inflammation in your body due to different dangerous conditions.

41. 24. Tomato Reduce Asthma
• Vitamin A and lycopene in tomatoes can reduce the asthma symptoms. If
you are getting asthma condition, you should add tomatoes in your daily
meals immediately. Tomato recipes are also very healthy and delicious.

42. 25. Tomato adds hair shiness
Tomatoes will even make your hair look better.The vitamin A found in
tomatoes works to make hair strong and shiny. (Sorry, tomatoes cannot
help much with thinning hair—but they will make the hair you have look
better!)

43. 26. Tomato prevent Chronic Pain
1. Tomatoes can reduce chronic pain. If you are one of the millions of
people who deal with mild to moderate chronic pain (such as from
arthritis or back pain), tomatoes may be a pain-buster. Tomatoes are high
in bioflavonoids and carotenoids, which are known anti-inflammatory
agents.
2. Chronic pain often involves chronic inflammation, so attacking the
inflammation is a good way to fight the chronic pain. (Many commercial
drugs that fight pain are actually anti-inflammatory drugs.)

44. 27. Tomatoes can help reduce weight
Tomatoes can help you lose weight. If you are on a sensible diet and
exercise plan, build lots of tomatoes into your everyday eating. They make
a great snack and can be used to “bulk up” salads, casseroles, sandwiches
and other meals. Because tomatoes contain lots of water and fiber, they
are what Weight Watchers calls a “filling food,” one of those foods that
fills you up fast without adding a lot of calories or fat.

45. 28.Tomato Colorectal Cancer
Beta-carotene consumption has been shown to have aninverse
association with the development of colon cancer in the Japanese
population. High fiber intakes from fruits and vegetables are associated
with a lowered risk of colorectal cancer.

46. 29.Tomato and pregnancy
• Pregnancy: Adequate folic acid intake is essential for pregnant
women to protect against neural tube defects in infants.

47. 30.Tomato are the naturally enhance flavour
• Tomatoes can enhance the flavor of almost any cooked dish. Whole tomatoes,
chopped tomatoes and tomato sauce freeze well for future use in cooked dishes.
Cooking tomatoes — such as in spaghetti sauce — makes the fruit heart-healthier
and boosts its cancer-fighting ability.

48. 31. Potato Reduces danger of statin drugs
• Recent evidence shows that just two ounces of tomato paste
or a pint of juice a day could be enough to help many patients
avoid dangerous statins, the class of drugs commonly
prescribed for these conditions, which can lead to heart
problems.

49. 32. Tomatoes prevent kidney and gall bladder
stones
They work as a disinfectant to protect the body from diarrhea and
prevents the appearance of kidney stones and gall bladder stones in
the long term. They also dramatically reduce the incidence of lower
urinary tract symptoms.

50. 33. Tomatoes reduces breast cancer risk
Breast cancer can also be reduced with tomatoes. Exciting research in
the Journal of the National Cancer Institute shows that higher amounts of
carotenoids including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin,
lycopene, and total carotenoids may have a reduced risk of breast cancer.

51. 34. Tomatoes prevent stroke
New research in the journal Harvard Health Letter found that diets rich in
tomatoes can help prevent stroke. The scientists chalk up the results to
tomatoes’ rich lycopene content.

52. 35. Tomato reduces blood clot risks
Tomato juice helps to reduce the risk of blood clots. The excessive
clumping together of platelet cells can cause problems for our
bloodstream in terms of blockage and unwanted clotting, and prevention
of this excessive clumping is important for maintaining heart health.
Numerous phytonutrients in tomatoes have been shown to help prevent
excessive clumping of our platelet cells.