Did you know tomatoes are a fruit? And this red fruit also provides plenty of health benefits.

1.Anti-oxidant:

Tomatoes contain a lot of vitamins A and C, mostly because of beta-carotene, and these vitamins act as an anti-oxidant, working to neutralize dangerous free radicals in the blood stream. These dangerous free radicals can cause cell damage. And keep in mind, the more red the tomato, the more beta-carotene it contains. Also, remember that cooking destroys much of vitamin C, so stick with raw tomatoes for these benefits.

2.Diabetes:
Tomatoes also have plenty of the mineral chromium, which helps diabetics to keep their blood sugar level under control.

3.Smoking:

No, tomatoes can’t help you stop smoking, but what they can do is to help reduce the damage smoking does to your body. Tomatoes contain chlorogenic acid and coumaric acid, which help to fight against some of the carcinogens brought about by cigarette smoke.

4.Vision:
Because of all that vitamin A, tomatoes are also an excellent food to help improve your vision. This also means tomatoes can help your eyes be better about night blindness.
5.Heart troubles:

Due to potassium and vitamin B, tomatoes help to lower blood pressure and to lower high cholesterol levels. This, in turn, could help prevent strokes, heart attack and other potentially life-threatening heart problems.

6.Skin care:
Because of high amounts of lycopene, a substance found in many of the more expensive over-the-counter facial cleansers, tomatoes are great for skin care. The best way to use tomatoes for skin care is to peel a bunch of them, eight to twelve, then lay back and place the tomato skins on your face (or other skin areas). Make sure the inside of the tomato skins are against your skin, and let this sit for at least 10 minutes. Then wash off. You’re face will be cleaner and more shiny, though it also might be a little red from the tomatoes. Don’t worry, that red on your face will wear away.

7.Hair:

Remember all that vitamin A in tomatoes? Well, it’s good for keeping your hair strong and shiny, and its also good for your eyes, teeth, skin and bones.

8.Cancer:

Various studies have shown that because of all that lycopene in tomatoes, the red fruit helps to lessen the chances of prostate cancer in men, and also reduces the chance of stomach cancer and colorectal cancer. Lycopene is considered somewhat of a natural miracle anti-oxidant that may help to stop the growth of cancer cells. And, interestingly enough, cooked tomatoes produce more lycopene than do raw tomatoes, so enjoy that tomato soup!

9.Bones:

Tomatoes have a fair amount of vitamin K and calcium, both of which help to strengthen and possibly repair in minor ways bones and bone tissue.

10.Kidney stones and gallstones: Eating tomatoes without the seeds has been shown in some studies to lessen the risk of gallstones and kidney stones.

Dietary supplements can be a great addition to your health routine,but it's crucial to choose your supplements wisely. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has instated regulations to ensure that supplements are contaminant-free and properly labeled, there are several other safety issues you should consider before and after you buy.

Your Supplement Safety Checklist
To make sure your supplements are right for you, keep these safety concerns in mind.

1) Watch Out for Drug Interactions

Since a number of supplements such as St. John's wort and ginkgo biloba may interact in harmful ways with prescription or over-the-counter drugs, you should always consult your physician before starting a supplement regimen.

Your doctor may also be able to notify you of any other potential risks the supplement might pose to your health (especially if you're pregnant or planning to have surgery), as well as offer guidance on the best dosage to take. If your doctor isn't comfortable with advising you on supplement use, ask if he or she can refer you to a supplement-savvy alternative health practitioner.

2) Do Your Research

Before you purchase a supplement, brush up on scientific evidence supporting the safety of its use. Third-party sources (such as information provided by objective health experts) are far more reliable than health claims published on a supplement manufacturer's website.

You can get the latest information on specific supplements right here on About.com.

3) Seek Out Certified Products

If a supplement is certified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or the United Natural Products Alliance, it's guaranteed to meet a certain standard of quality. (The USP's screening process, for instance, ensures that a product will break down properly and effectively release its ingredients into the body.) Look for a certification seal from any of these organizations whenever you buy a supplement.

4) Check the Label

When shopping for an herbal supplement, it's important to verify which parts of the plant were used in its production. Different components can produce different effects, some of which can harm your health. For example, research shows that while the roots of the herb kava seem to be safe, its stem peelings and leaves may contain compounds that could be toxic to the liver. Talking with your doctor or herbalist and researching an herbal supplement can help you determine which plant parts to look for.

5) Take Heed of Side Effects

If you experience any adverse effects after taking a new supplement, discontinue its use immediately and contact your doctor. Although many supplements can be used without harm, others are linked to serious side effects (such as kidney damage and gastrointestinal problems), especially when taken at excessive doses.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF WHEATGRASS

The best way to enjoy all the health benefits of this liquid sunshine is in the form of its fresh juice. One or two ounces a day is enough to provide you the energy to last the day, beats coffee anytime !!

Acidosis: Its alkaline minerals are essential for cleaning out the tissues and maintaining the alkalinity of the blood, making it effective in combating acidosis.

Alzheimer's Disease, prevention: This is one of the very few juices that can actually remove heavy metals from the system. Regular consumption will greatly help to prevent Alzheimer's disease and any other mental problems.

Anemia: The high grade content of iron in wheatgrass juice makes it a great blood builder, increasing red blood cells count. It regenerates and reactivates the red blood cells and supplies fresh oxygen to the body.

Anti-inflammatory: The high alkalinity properties makes it the perfect choice of food for people suffering inflammatory ailments, like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Anti-oxidant: The high anti-oxidant content helps neutralize free radicals and oxidation that find their way in the body. It helps reduce the harm caused by air pollutants like carbon monoxide or cigarette smoke.

Athletes foot: The anti-bacterial effect of wheatgrass juice helps to relieve the itchiness caused by athletes foot. Soak your feet in a small bucket with distilled water pre-mixed with two ounces of the juice.

Bad breath (halitosis) and body odor: The ability of this green juice to detoxify the lymphatic system and gastro-intestines, makes it a wonderful help in reducing or eliminating bad breath and body odor.

Body building: Wheatgrass juice contains a long list of amino acids that are the building blocks of protein. It is reported to contain almost 50% protein (almost three times more than that of beef). So, forget protein powder which may contain harmful animal protein. Instead, incorporate this miracle juice into your daily routine.

Cancer: The fine chlorophyll and beta-carotene obtained from wheatgrass juice is beneficial in fighting and preventing cancer. A variety of flavonoid compounds found in this grass are powerful anti-oxidants and anti-cancer agents. Studies have indicated at least a 40% risk reduction in cancer development.

Candidiasis: The anti-bacteria effect of wheatgrass creates an unfavorable environment for yeast and bacteria. Regular consumption of this juice will help to prevent further yeast and bacterial growth.

Detoxify: Consuming this wonder juice regularly for detoxifying of the lymphatic system. It also helps eliminate encrustrations and faecal matter in the intestines and colon for a healthier gastro-intestines.

Diabetes: The ability to regulate blood sugar level makes this green juice a suitable drink for diabetics.

High blood pressure: The proteinous compounds in the high quality chlorophyll from wheatgrass has been found to be beneficial in lowering high blood pressure.

Immune system: Drink 1-2 ounces of wheatgrass regularly to build your immune system.

Tooth decay: Gargle wheatgrass juice to prevent tooth decay, relieve toothache, treat bleeding gums and control pyorrhea (infection and loosening of tooth sockets).

Weight control: Because the nutrition in wheatgrass juice is so complete, it relieves your body of cravings, thus reducing the unnecessary need to overeat.

Wounds: Pour two ounces of wheatgrass juice into a small bucket of distilled water. Use this water to dab generously on wounds, itchiness and sores; and experience great relief with accelerated healing.

Need we say more why you should add wheatgrass juice to your juicing diet?