Have you ever thought if tomato seeds would have any benefits? Believe it or not, they have many benefits! If you suffer from high cholesterol and hypertension, then having tomato seeds could help you alleviate both conditions. How? Read on to find out what tomato seeds could do for your body.
Although, it seems incredible to think of today, but this is how the civilized world viewed tomatoes initially. Today, tomatoes are cultivated as seedless. However, there are many health benefits of tomato seeds. Let’s list a few of them here:
Tomatoes seeds have no cholesterol, Thus, tomato seeds don’t add cholesterol to your diet. Tomato seeds are high in fiber; fiber is known to lower cholesterol. Tomato seeds also are rich sources of niacin (vitamin B3). Niacin has been used to lower cholesterol levels for many years.
Homocysteine, a non-protein α-amino acid, can cause vascular inflammation. High levels of homocysteine may lead to a heart attack or a stroke. Vitamin B6 and folate help alter homocysteine to gentler compounds that are harmless. Tomato seeds contain high amounts of Vitamin B6 and folate. Tomato seeds are rich in potassium. Potassium-rich diets prevent hypertension and reduce the risk of a heart attack or a stroke. Tomato seeds thus are good for the heart.
An Israelite researcher found that tomato seeds bring about a significant drop in blood pressure. The research was spread over 8 weeks, where subjects ingested seeded tomatoes daily. It was noted that their blood pressure levels dropped. Tomato seeds and the berry itself contain an antioxidant called lycopene complex. This encourages a drop in both systolic (upper limit) and diastolic (lower limit) by approximately 5 points.
Tomato seeds contain high amounts of lycopene and prevent cell damage. The antioxidant lycopene journeys around the body and eradicates free radicals that usually injure cell membranes and the cells themselves. Free radicals increase the chance of asthma, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and colon cancer. Lycopene eradicates free radicals and prevents cell damage.
Along with Vitamin C, lycopene and niacin, tomato flesh contains many health benefits. However, the seeds are surrounded by a mucus layer. The layer has been patented as Fruitlow by researchers. Fruitlow and lycopene both help unblock and prevent blood clots. Blood clotting is one of the major reasons for heart diseases today. Tomato seeds help prevent blood clots.
Free radical production can activate the inflammatory compounds. Inflammatory compounds promote chronic ailments like atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease. Tomato seeds’ lycopene and beta-carotene eradicates free radicals. This in turn helps arrest inflammation. Tomato seeds are thus an effective anti-inflammatory agent.
The human body is designed to maintain a pH of 7.365. However, our diet, irregular food patterns and no exercise ensure that our body has a higher concentration of acid. This can cause acidosis, congestion and reflux. Usually, the pH balance can be maintained by including calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium. Tomato flesh and seeds contain high amounts of these essential bases, and tomato seeds help us maintain the required pH balance and thus prevent acidosis.
Tomato seeds and flesh have been credited as immunity boosting agents. They help avoid common cold and influenza, especially for males. Carotenoid deficiency has been identified as the main culprit in these commonly occurring diseases. Low amounts of lycopene and beta-carotene have also been held responsible. Tomato seeds are excellent sources of the antioxidant lycopene and beta-carotene. Thus, they are effective immunity boosting agents.
Tomatoes and tomato seeds contain 18% of the daily requirement of Vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential in building and strengthening bones. It stimulates osteocalcin, a non-collagen protein of the bone. Osteocalcin helps harden calcium to make bones strong. Tomato seeds also contain calcium, a mineral that is important for bone health.
Tomatoes and their seeds contain high amounts of Vitamin A. Vitamin A has often been associated with excellent eyesight and a deficiency of this vitamin causes night blindness. Tomato seeds thus help improve eyesight.
We hope that reading these benefits has made you fall in love with America’s favorite vegetable. Tomato seeds are some of the healthiest foods that you can chose to eat. So, next time you are out grocery shopping for seedless tomatoes, think about tomato seeds benefits.
Do let us know if you know of any other health benefits of tomato seeds. Share your thoughts. Leave a comment below.