Undoubtedly one of the more popular fruits around the word – yes apparently a fruit and not actually a vegetable as it is often considered is the humble tomato – what are the benefits of eating tomatoes? As many will know, tomatoes can come in various types and are for instance regularly used in pizzas and for spaghetti sauce etc.. It is claimed that their consumption has benefit to the heart as well as other organs. They have carotene lycopene and it is reported that cooking is good to get the most of the nutrient – however, it has also been said that lycopene is an abundant nutrient also and that in any case tomatoes can be blended to receive greater nutrition than simply eating them raw. In relation to the benefits that could be associated with tomato ingestion these include less danger for breast, head and neck cancers as well as protection against neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, it has been stated that tomatoes help to reduce lower urinary tract symptoms.

In relation to the actual benefit of lycopene, it has been said to be able to assist the skin to defend against dangerous UV rays. Moreover, due to genetic variation, there have also been many other genes that make carotene, anthocyanin and additional antioxidants. Some varieties such as “Doublerich” have twice normal vitamin C. It is also asserted to be possible to have 40x vitamin A levels and greater anthocyanin which gives a blue colour, as well as 2-4 times the amount of lycopene. It is stated that if bought unripe, they can be stored at room temperature out of direct sunlight until they become ripe. Furthermore, it is said that they can remain fresh for 3 to 4 days and that when ripe ought to be consumed from 1-2 days. Moreover, it is recommended to only refrigerate ripe tomatoes.

In relation to trying to get the benefits of tomatoes, there are various ways to consume a tomato such as a juice, either cooked, in a salad or on its own. As a sidenote, some people who focus on “food combining” recommend that tomatoes should be consumed in combination carefully/on their own.

(reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomato)

One of the favourite fruits that people like is a watermelon. So, how can eating this fruit provide help to your health – what are the nutrition facts of watermelon? Well, for many people they may associate this fruit with having a good standard of nutrition. In many ways and especially for those living in a cold climate such as the UK, it can be seen as an exotic fruit. Not only is it a very large fruit which people might associate with a warm and tropical climate, it also has a bright red colour that people also associate with strawberries and most would say that these fruits are very healthy.

As regards nutrition facts for watermelon, it has been reported to contain 6% sugar and 92% water according to its weight. In addition, it is a source for vitamin C. In terms of specific nutrients, watermelons contain the amino acid known as citrulline to a large extent. Moreover it is reported that watermelon rinds are also edible and have extra nutrients – however in case they have been washed/sprayed with a chemical that might detract from their benefit obviously. In fact they can be used as a type of vegetable and in China are stir-fried. In addition to all this information, another aspect to consider is that watermelons are said to be slightly diuretic and in addition have a large amount of beta carotene. Moreover, it is reported to have a major source of lycopene.

As a botanical note, depending on the climate and situation that you live in, you could also try growing watermelons yourself – watermelons have been defined as “vinelike flowering plants”. Whist the fruit’s flesh might be typically a pinkish colour, it is said that they can also be orange, yellow or red and even sometimes green in case they are not properly ripe. One issue with buying a watermelon is that you may well not eat it all in one sitting unless you share with others and therefore could consider putting it into a container etc. as well as putting it into the fridge – in addition try to store the watermelons in a cool area if they do not fit in your fridge before eating to maintain the longevity.

(reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watermelon)