The tree tomato ( Cyphomandra betacea ) is a fruit from the tree called tamarillo, red or yellow in color, with a large presence of citric acid but with a pleasant sweet and sour flavor, whose consumption has brought many benefits to man.
Also known as solanum betacea , the tree tomato comes from the tropics of South America, specifically Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
There are varieties of tree tomatoes and among which we can mention are: bush tomato, wild tomato, water tomato, wild tomato, tomato stick among others.
In the following article, we give you the necessary information about this fruit, and the great benefits of its consumption.
What are the benefits of tree tomato?
The main benefits of these tree tomatoes come from their chemical and nutritional components , which we mention below:
1. Strengthens the immune system
Cyphomandra betacea fruits have a high content of carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, lycopene (pigment responsible for the red color of this fruit) and vitamin C, which act against oxidative damage created by free radicals, which cause aging. premature cell.
To highlight: Consuming tree tomato juice has been indicated to prevent some types of cancer and to reduce the proliferation of malignant cells. (1)
2. Regulates blood pressure and cholesterol
A compound present in tree tomato juice is gamma aminobutyric acid, an amino acid compound and a neurotransmitter that regulates brain excitability by inhibiting excessive firing of neurons, leading to a sense of calm and relaxation in the brain. and is involved in the regulation of hypertension and hypoglycemia . (two)
Other components of tree tomato are the presence of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated acids , which give it an interesting property that limits the production of cholesterol in the body, avoiding dyslipidemia (increased plasma concentration of cholesterol and lipids in the blood). (3)
3. Promotes digestive functions
Tree tomato juice contains dietary fiber, a compound that contributes to proper digestive function, facilitating the transit of food through the intestines as well as softening fecal feces.
Note: The fiber present in this fruit has a mild laxative effect, preventing constipation.
4. Fights anemia
Thanks to its vitamin C and mineral content such as iron , micronutrients that are involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin and the production of red blood cells, the consumption of tree tomatoes benefits people with anemia problems.
Important: The consumption of this fruit guarantees the necessary contribution of micronutrients to avoid iron deficiency anemia.
5. Promotes visual, bone, dental and skin health
This excellent fruit contains vitamin A or retinol, which also has antioxidant functions, but also produces pigments in the retina of the eye, improving our vision in dim light, thus maintaining our visual health.
This vitamin A also favors the formation and maintenance of teeth , soft and bone tissues, membranes, mucous membranes and skin. We must also have the presence of calcium and phosphorus, essential minerals for the construction and strengthening of bones . (4)
6. Contributes to weight loss
The tree tomato or tamarillo favors weight loss, thanks to the contribution of gamma aminobutyric acid , an amino acid which is involved in food regulation. Additionally, and as previously described, the tree tomato contains in its seeds important essential fatty acids that help reduce bad cholesterol in the blood.
Note: The vitamin C contained in the tomato, promotes the proper functioning of lipid metabolism, preventing saturated fats from accumulating in the body.
In this sense, some studies indicate that the consumption of tree tomato juice has a lipid- lowering property (any substance that has the property of lowering blood lipid levels). (5)
7. Reduces inflammation
The tree tomato or tamarillo fruit, thanks to its antioxidant property, is capable of treating throat conditions and tonsil inflammation. Vitamin C promotes the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, preventing the inflammatory processes produced by free radicals.
To highlight: Likewise, its dietary fiber content prevents inflammatory processes in the digestive tract and has also been associated with the acceleration of histamine metabolism, a substance that participates in allergic reactions and causes bronchial spasms.
8. Protects against cancer
The tree tomato or tamarillo, thanks to its multiple antioxidant compounds , significantly reduces the action and proliferation of cancer cells in the body of people with this disease.
Remember that the main function of antioxidants is the elimination of excess free radicals , molecules that damage healthy cells in the body.
Note: The dietary fiber content of the tree tomato helps in the prevention of colon cancer.
Tree tomato nutritional properties
Below we will give you a brief description of the nutritional properties of tree tomato:
1. Vitamins
The tree tomato contains the following vitamins: Vitamin A or retinol with a contribution for each portion of 100 grams of edible fruit of 77 mg and vitamin C in the same proportion of 29 mg.
2. Minerals
The tree tomato fruit contains the following minerals: calcium, iron, phosphorus and magnesium , the most representative being phosphorus with a contribution of 13 mg per 100 gr of edible fruit.
Note: It also contains dietary fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols . It is low in calories with only 48 calories per 100g of edible fruit.
How should tree tomato be consumed?
Like all fruits, the recommendation is to consume the tree tomato directly , since in this way the properties of its micronutrients are used more effectively, although it can also be eaten cooked.
Tip: It is very common to make jams, juices and hot sauces with tree tomato, as well as being included in salads
Another recommendation is to consume this fresh fruit on an empty stomach , to provide the body with chemical and nutritional compounds, so that it can function properly during the day.
Key Findings
- The tree tomato fruit has an important presence of ascorbic acid as well as vitamin A or retinol
- It is characterized by its sweet and sour taste , with red-skinned tomatoes being sweeter.
- It contains powerful antioxidants, capable of eliminating the molecules that cause oxidative damage.
- The tree tomato is important in the control of iron deficiency anemia.
- The consumption of this fruit in fresh form is recommended, since it preserves its nutritional properties.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.