One of the best childhood memories I have was the time I ate tomatoes almost everyday. I love tomatoes and up until now, I eat tomatoes, especially when they are raw and fresh. As for its benefits, all I knew was that it can keep our skin healthy.

Let me just share more information about tomato. Solanum lycopersicum is its scientific name. It is a botanical fruit and at the same time a vegetable for culinary. It has seven color varieties - red, pink, orange, yellow, white, green, and purple/black. Though, no matter what color it has, the outstanding amount of lycopene is still the same.

What Makes It Lovable?

This “superfood” is known for its excellent amount of disease-fighting antioxidant contents. It has been proven to prevent cancer, heart diseases, and lower high cholesterol. Researchers also found that its antioxidant properties has significant effects on the bone health. Inclusion of tomato in your diet may also increase the risk of osteoporosis. Other studies have found that tomato can inhibit the development of various kinds of cancer cells such as endometrial and breast cancer cells, colon cancer cells, and prostate carcinoma cells and also the growth of cataract.

Significant Nutritional Facts (in 180.00 grams raw tomato)

Vitamin A - 29.9% Good for the eyes and skin.

Vitamin K - 17.7% Helps the blood to clot.

Potassium - 12.1% Necessary for our body organs to perform well.

Fiber - 8.6% Good for diet.

Vitamin B6 - 7% To maintain a healthy brain.

Folate - 6.7% Helps to produce cells and keep them to work properly.

 
Warning

Excessive intake of tomato especially tomato juice can make your skin and liver colored orange-yellow. It is a skin discoloration which is called lycopenodermia. However, this skin condition is harmless.

I love tomato now more than ever. Especially now that I know more about its benefits. Indeed, it is extremely lovable like no other.

Herbs are among the most important ingredients in cooking that your kitchen should always have. These staples are remarkable as they don’t just add flavor to the food you cook, they also add nutrients to every dish.

Here are some facts about the herbs you commonly have at home.

Oregano

Oregano is also known as the “pizza herb” since it is ordinarily used in pizza recipes. It helps lower blood cholesterol levels and is proven as a super “functional food” because of various nutritional facts. Oregano is one of the healthy Mediterranean diet foundation bases.

Below are nutrient facts you can get from a 100 g of oregano herb:

Dietary fiber - 107%

Folates - 69%

Pyridoxine - 93%

Vitamin C - 83%

Vitamin A - 230%

Vitamin K - 518%

Iron - 550%

Manganese - 203%

Carotene-ß - 4112 mcg.

Basil

Basil provides better tasting and smelling food. It’s oil have antibacterial essential features, thus making it a great aid for fighting flu, colds, and herpes viruses. Its leaves can also be used for wounds to reduce infections.

Below are nutrient facts you can get from a 100 g of basil herb:

Vitamin A - 175%

Vitamin K - 345%

Vitamin C - 30%

Copper - 43%

Iron - 40%

Magnesium - 16%

Manganese - 57%

Wise spending is eating the right food that makes you feel good. So if you’re living in California or just passing through, do not hesitate to visit these commendable restaurants for a yummy and healthy food experience.

Sno:La Yogurt

This eco-friendly yogurt shop serves gourmet frozen yogurt in six yummy flavors. To make your order completely delicious, choose from the five types of tasty toppings they offer, such as chocolate, sauces, nuts, and seasonal fruits. Sno:La also serves verrines and they regularly feature new items on their menu. Check more items here.

Mixt Greens

If you are on a diet, Mixt Greens’ menu can keep you filled without depriving yourself of good and delectable eats. Order freshly made salads listed on their menu or design your own according to your preferences. Their sandwiches are also made from fresh, delicious, and healthy ingredients. In fact, almost all of their ingredients are grilled or roasted. Calculate here the nutrition facts of your choice salad before purchasing.

Oliver Cafe | Lounge

Last but not the least in this list is Oliver Cafe | Lounge, a restaurant that offers spa cuisine. Spa cuisine is the kind of food preparation that uses all-natural ingredients and methods. They have a resident registered dietitian who endorses the recipes they make. Grab the opportunity to taste their offered Asian to Italian cuisines during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Have delightfully healthy salads from Mixt Greens, eat an incredible breakfast at Oliver Cafe | Lounge, and don’t forget to enjoy a yummy froyo for dessert from Sno:La. Now, we’re talking healthy!

As we age, our skin loses elasticity and moisture, resulting to lines and wrinkles. While we can’t entirely control the aging process, we can still do something to fight ungraceful skin aging.

One of the best ways to do it is eating vegetables. Vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that promote glowing and radiant skin. Here are a few vegetables you can use or eat to achieve healthier skin.

Cucumber
Cucumbers are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that are essential in strong cell growth and repair. Aside from eating cucumbers, you can also apply its extract on your face, let it dry, and wash it off with lukewarm water to get younger looking skin. You can also put cucumber slices on your face for skin hydration.

Carrot
The carrot is another vegetable that adds glow to your skin. They contain cartenoids, an antioxidant that helps to combat free radicals in your skin. Drinking carrot juice is one of the best ways to keep your skin hydrated. You can also apply carrot extract and pulp on your skin for a radiant effect.

Potato
Potatoes are loaded with vitamins and minerals excellent in cleaning and softening your skin. If you have oily skin, gently rub potatoes on your skin and have the potato starch remain there for 15 minutes. Afterwards, wash it off with lukewarm water. You can also use grated potatoes as a solution for dark circles under the eyes.

Leafy Greens
Having healthy skin requires a strong and steady blood flow and green leafy vegetables have the vitamins and minerals that promote optimal blood circulation. They are also rich in Vitamin A which is important for skin elasticity. And their high fiber content helps the body eliminate toxins and possible carcinogens for a healthy and clear skin. Making a green smoothie is an excellent way to unlock all the nutrients of the vegetables that will benefit your skin and body.

Making these veggies a part of your daily diet and/or beauty regimen can contribute to fair and glowing skin. Just always remember to exercise daily and include fruits in your meals for a much healthier skin and stronger body.