The tomato is a vegetable (in fact a fruit) that delivers a great deal of nutrition for very few calories. A salad of raw tomatoes not only adds flavour to a meal but also supports many important processes in the body.

Easily digested, it gives the body a combination of vitamins, minerals and powerful antioxidants when eaten regularly, which plays a large part in overall health.

The most notable component of tomato salad is lycopene, a natural antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation. Research suggests lycopene-rich foods may lower the risk of heart disease and help prevent skin damage. Tomatoes also contain vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and folate, which help with everything from immunity to eye health.

Eating tomato salad regularly may help keep blood pressure under control: potassium helps manage pressure in the blood vessels, and fibre keeps digestion smooth. For those trying to lose weight, tomato salad can be an ideal side dish because it is low in calories and high in water and fibre, so it fills you up quickly.

Adding cucumber, onion, lemon juice, olive oil or coriander leaves to the tomatoes makes the salad even more nutritious, though it is better to go easy on the salt.

Sources cited: Harvard Health Publishing, American Heart Association, National Institute of Nutrition, India.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.