The history of tomato in Nigerian and West African diet dates back to European colonists. First cultivated in South America, tomatoes are a perennial vegetable fruit with many health enhancing properties. Now, tomatoes have become a very necessary and versatile ingredient in the Nigerian cuisine. They are such in high demand that the when there was a Nigerian tomato scarcity crisis in 2016, the country almost went on a standstill.

Though Nigerians have many reasons for using tomatoes, these are the health reasons for their high appearance in Nigerian food.

1. Aids bone health

The presence of vitamin K, calcium and potassium in tomatoes make it a good contender against bone-related diseases. Having it in your diet strengthens the bones.

2. Good for the eyes

Tomatoes contain Vitamin A, beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene antioxidants that help improve vision and prevent night blindness, cataracts, and other eye-related diseases.

3. Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels

Tomatoes are very good sources of potassium and vitamin B which help to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels in the body. Regular intake also reduces blood pressure levels and prevents heart-related diseases such as stroke, etc.

4. Good for the skin

Tomatoes are used for skin care too. Production of collagen, a very essential component of healthy skin, is dependent on the amount of vitamin C the body has and takes. Since tomatoes are very good sources of vitamin C, its consumption is good for the skin. It is also used for facial washes and skin care procedures.

5. Contains essential antioxidants

Antioxidants help prevent the damage to the body cells by free radicals — unstable molecules that are produced in your cells during your own metabolism. Tomatoes contain Vitamin C, alpha-lipoic acid, lycopene, choline, folic acid, beta-carotene, lutein, etc so its intake is very much encouraged.

ALSO READ: Why you should start drinking coconut water now!