The tomato, also known as the tomato, was introduced to China during the Ming Dynasty, where it was called "fan shi" (foreign persimmon). Because it resembled the persimmon, was red in color, and came from the West, it was also called "xi hong shi" (Western red persimmon). Because tomatoes are rich in nutrients, they are a nutritious food suitable for children.
Tomatoes are rich in nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, organic acids, and a small amount of protein. The vitamin A precursor they contain can be converted into vitamin A in the human body, which can promote bone growth and prevent rickets, xerophthalmia, night blindness, and certain skin diseases. The large amount of vitamin C they contain can boost children's immunity and prevent colds. The organic acids in tomatoes, such as malic acid and citric acid, can also increase the acidity of gastric juice, aid digestion, and regulate gastrointestinal function. The fruit acids in tomatoes can also lower cholesterol.
Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses of Tomatoes
Treating Skin Diseases: Peel and deseed fresh tomatoes, mash them, and apply the pulp to the affected area 2-3 times a day to treat fungal and infectious skin diseases.
Treating Anemia: Take 1 tomato, 1 apple, and 12 grams of sesame powder. Peel and mash the tomato and apple, then mix with the sesame powder and consume. This can treat childhood anemia.
Treating Gum Bleeding: Take 3 fresh tomatoes, wash them, add them to boiling water for 5 minutes, remove, peel, wrap in a clean cloth, and squeeze firmly. Filter the juice and consume it without adding sugar. Consuming this for 15 consecutive days can treat gum bleeding.
Preventing and Treating Childhood Heatstroke: Slice 2 tomatoes, add a small amount of sugar or salt, and drink it hot to prevent heatstroke. Mix half a cup of tomato juice with half a cup of watermelon juice and drink once every hour to relieve summer heat.
Treating Gastritis: Take 2 tomatoes and 2 potatoes, peel them, and extract their juices. Mix half a cup of each and drink, once in the morning and once in the evening, for 2-3 weeks to alleviate symptoms.
Treating Hepatitis: Take 1 tomato, dice it; 30 grams of celery, mince it; and 30 grams of carrots, mince them. Add these to cooked rice and water to make congee, then add a small amount of salt and consume.
Treating Night Blindness: Take 250 grams of fresh tomatoes and 50 grams of pork liver. Slice the pork liver, stir-fry it lightly in cooking oil, add water and cook until half-done, then add the cut tomatoes and cook until done. Add a small amount of salt and consume.
Indigestion: Take 12 grams of hawthorn and 2 tomatoes. Boil the hawthorn in water for 10 minutes, add the tomatoes and sugar, and cook for another 5 minutes before consuming. This can treat childhood indigestion and food stagnation.