Tomatoes: A Healthy Vegetable with Health Benefits

• Tomatoes were introduced to India by Portuguese traders in the 15th century.

• British colonizers adopted tomatoes in the 16th century.

• Dr Tara Chitale in 1938 advocated for tomatoes’ use in treating common cold, scurvy, and iron deficiency.

• Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, reducing heart disease risk, and can lower high blood pressure.

• Tomatoes prevent constipation and may protect against Alzheimer’s disease.

• India produced 210 lakh tonnes of tomatoes in 2022-2023, second only to China.

• Top tomato cultivating states include Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.