The tomato, a fruit that is often treated as a vegetable, is used in almost all Indian dishes, and its benefits far outweigh its use. This fruit, which belongs to the nightshade family and is native to southern and central America, is high in nutritional value. In fact, when Europeans first saw it, they mistook it for a dangerous berry! We may thank the Spanish for introducing the tomato to the rest of the world; they introduced it to Europe and the Philippines, from where it spread throughout Southeast Asia. India has become the world’s largest tomato producer. While the tomato is most commonly red, it is also available in a variety of colors, including purple!

Tomatoes are high in vitamins A, K, B1, B3, B5, B6, B7, and C, as well as other natural vitamins and minerals. Folate, iron, potassium, magnesium, chromium, choline, zinc, and phosphorus are also present. And what are the best ways to make the most of this fruit? Continue reading to find out.

1. Because of the high levels of pollution, our skin and hair take the brunt of the damage. Tomatoes, when included in a regular diet, serve to combat the wear and tear that our skin endures.

2. Cancer cells, particularly prostate, stomach, and colorectal cancer, are said to be inhibited by tomatoes. Cooking tomatoes boosts the production of lycopene, so you can curry it as much as you like.

3. It’s Beneficial to Your Bones

Tomatoes are high in Vitamin K and Calcium, as well as other nutrients. A hundred grams of tomatoes provide 110 milligrams of calcium, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. That means that as long as you eat tomatoes, your bones will remain strong.