Tomato efficacy refers to the ability of a plant to protect itself against diseases, pests, and environmental stresses. Tomato efficacy is determined by a number of factors, including plant defense mechanisms, nutrient availability, and the plant’s ability to absorb and use energy from the environment.
One of the most important factors in tomato efficacy is lycopene, which is an antioxidant that has strong disease-fighting properties. Lycopene can scavenge harmful free radicals and reduce the likelihood of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and atherosclerosis. Tomatoes also contain vitamin C, which can boost skin health and immune system functions.
Studies suggest that lycopene from tomatoes can prevent prostate and lung cancer in men. In addition, a study found that people who eat more lycopene-rich foods have lower risk of heart disease than those who don’t. Aside from lycopene, tomatoes have several other cancer-fighting compounds, including carotenoids and flavonoids. Tomatoes are a great source of potassium, which can help maintain normal blood pressure.
Tomatoes have a high disease resistance index, which means that they are able to withstand most common plant diseases. Fungi such as downy and powdery mildews inflict significant economic losses in tomato crops. One of the reasons for this is the fact that fungi cause plant cell wall degradation. However, researchers have discovered that the Solyc08g075770 gene can confer tolerance to fusarium wilt by modulating the plant’s day-length response.
In addition, a study found that dipping tomatoes in EP reduced the amount of damage caused by these fungi. Moreover, the application of EP improved fruit quality attributes such as titratable acidity and ripening index. Vapor application, on the other hand, decreased the ripening index and lowered the fruit’s antioxidant activity.
According to a study, consuming more tomatoes and tomato juice can decrease your risk of gallstones by reducing the amount of bile that your body produces (34). Tomatoes are also rich in chloride, which is essential for stomach health. In addition to promoting gut health, the soluble and insoluble fiber in tomatoes can also reduce your risk of diabetes by stabilizing your blood sugar level.
Lastly, tomatoes are an excellent source of potassium, which can help with bone health and blood pressure control. Studies have shown that a diet that includes more than 300 mg of potassium per day can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, which is important for a healthy pregnancy. It helps the fetus get enough iron, which is necessary for proper development. Depending on your lifestyle, it may be a good idea to take vitamin C supplements during pregnancy. For example, non-smoking women need about 90 mg of vitamin C daily while smokers need 35 mg more than non-smokers. In addition to boosting immunity, vitamin C can improve your mood and promote good eye health. You can find a wide variety of vitamin C supplements online. However, you can also eat foods that are naturally rich in vitamin C, like tomatoes and oranges.