Overview of Tomatillo
Tomatillos are a type of nightshade that bear tiny and round fruits and are protected by a husk. The brown husk of the tomatillo, which becomes wrinkly as it matures and eventually falls off when the fruit ripens, resembles the texture of a Japanese lantern. Because the fruit looks like a miniature tomato, the first European explorers named it tomatillo because of this resemblance.
The tomatillo is more appropriately known by its botanical name, Physalis philadelphica. Similarly, it is also known as the Mexican husk tomato in the southern regions of Mexico, where it is believed to have originated.
Additionally, Tomatillos come in a wide variety of varieties, such as the Purple De Milpa, the Rio Grande Verde, the Everona Large Green, and the Pineapple tomatillo, to name but a few. Tomatillo types vary in taste, color, and size. Take the Pineapple tomatillo, for example, which has a mild pineapple flavor and seems to be yellow in color.
Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, the tomatillo is a vegetable rather than a fruit like other types of tomatoes; nonetheless, it is an important component of traditional Mexican cuisine.
Tomatillos are related to tomatoes, but unlike tomatoes, they do not contain the antioxidant lycopene. On the other hand, tomatillos possess a unique sort of phytochemical that is classified as an antioxidant and is known as withanolide.
Researchers from the University of Kansas found 14 phytochemicals in tomatillo that have shown promise as an anti-cancer treatment in pre-clinical studies. Even more incredible is that none of these compounds are poisonous or have adverse consequences.
Tomatillos are a satisfactory source of manganese, niacin, magnesium, and potassium, in addition to vitamins A, C, and K. Tomatillos include several organic chemicals that are good for one’s health and provide several benefits.
Health Benefits of Tomatillos
Contributes to Heart Health
Much like other fruits and vegetables, Tomatillos are an excellent choice for following a diet that is good for your heart. Consuming tomatillos, which have a naturally low sodium content and a high potassium content, has the potential to help in the management of blood pressure.
Tomatillos are a good source of vitamins A and C, both of which are powerful antioxidants that can neutralize the effects of free radicals.
The American Heart Association recommends that individuals maintain a diet that includes a wide variety of fruits and vegetables on a consistent basis. One of the many reasons why eating fruits and vegetables is advantageous is because of the high fiber level in both of those food groups.
Fiber is the component of carbohydrates that cannot be digested, and it has been shown to lower cholesterol levels by performing the role of a binder and removing cholesterol from the body. Tomatillos have around 1 gram of fiber in each medium-sized tomatillo, which makes them an excellent addition to a diet that is beneficial for the heart.
Supports Digestion in the Body
Tomatillos, much like the vast majority of other vegetables, include a considerable amount of dietary fiber, which is advantageous to the health of the digestive tract. Dietary fiber has the ability to both absorb water and add weight to meals and stools once they have been digested.
Because of this, food is capable of moving more smoothly through the digestive tract, which contributes to the alleviation of symptoms such as bloating, constipation, cramping, and excess gas.
In addition, the digestive tract is able to function more efficiently overall. Additionally, major illnesses such as colon cancer and stomach ulcers can be avoided by maintaining a healthy digestive tract and having regular bowel movements.
In addition, people with diabetes can benefit from the high fiber content of tomatillos because fiber plays an essential role in controlling the amount of glucose that is absorbed into the bloodstream.
It is indispensable for diabetic patients to keep their blood sugar levels within normal ranges; failure to do so may result in either hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
Helps Decrease the Incidence of Cancer
Tomatillos contain many different antioxidants, some of which have been shown to prevent cancer. To be more specific, tomatillos are a source of a class of phytochemicals known as withanolides.
It has been demonstrated that these naturally occurring plant compounds can cause apoptosis, sometimes known as cell death, in colon cancer cells.
It has been revealed for a long time now that eating habits that are high in fruits and vegetables are connected with lower chances of cancer. A diet robust in antioxidants and focused on the prevention of cancer would greatly benefit from the addition of tomatillos.
Assists in the Treatment of Strep Throat
A bacterial infection known as strep throat is a common ailment that affects both children and adults. Strep throat is distinguished by inflammation and pain in the throat. This ailment is brought on by the bacteria called streptococcus, which is very contagious and can effortlessly be transferred from one person to another.
Tomatillos contain qualities that make them effective against germs such as streptococcus, and they also have properties that make them effective against inflammation, such as that which
Improves Bone Density
Tomatillos have 13.3 micrograms of vitamin K, which is equal to 11.08 percent of the daily dose that is advised for consumption. Vitamin K lowers the risk of osteoporosis by contributing to an increase in the quantity of a particular protein that is needed for the maintenance of bone calcium.
Taking significant levels of vitamin K can assist individuals with osteoporosis stop their bone loss, according to data from a vitamin K study. For your body to use calcium to form bones, vitamin K is required.
There is growing evidence that vitamin K improves bone health and reduces the risk of bone fractures, in particular in postmenopausal women who are at risk for osteoporosis.
Assists in the Treatment of Diabetes
Niacin, which is found in tomatillos, is a type of vitamin B3 that is helpful in the treatment of diabetes because of the function it plays in maintaining normal levels of blood sugar.
There is speculation that taking vitamin B3 in the form of niacinamide can assist in enhancing the efficacy of particular oral prescription therapies that are utilized in the management of diabetes.
Boosts Immune System Health
Tomatillos have an elevated vitamin C content, which helps the body’s immune system function more effectively by driving the production of more white blood cells. White blood cells serve as the primary line of defense for the body’s protection against infectious agents and other harmful substances.
Aside from that, vitamin C is an essential component in the production of collagen, which not only promotes the health of skin tissue but also the creation of new skin tissue, as well as the cells and tissues that make up our organs and blood vessels, thereby enhancing the body’s ability to maintain itself and perform its metabolic functions.
Helps in Weight loss
Tomatillos are often regarded as one of the best vegetables for those who are attempting to reduce their body fat percentage. Consuming high-fiber vegetables like tomatillos reduces the risk of overeating because they make individuals feel fuller for longer periods of time and help them get all of the nutrients they need each day.
Tomatillos are an excellent food choice if you are working toward a healthy lifestyle and want to lose weight.
Facilitates Rapid Recovery from Wounds
Iron plays a significant part in the acceleration of the wound-healing process and is therefore essential. Because they contain a significant amount of iron, tomatillos contribute to the creation of red blood cells, which are the most important component of the hemoglobin that is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
The healing of wounds is impossible in the absence of an adequate supply of oxygen.
Improves Energy Levels
Niacin is a vitamin that is a member of the B-complex and is frequently overlooked when it comes to human health. Niacin is an essential component of the enzymatic reactions that are necessary for converting the energy contained in food and other complex molecules into a form that can be utilized by the body.
The niacin, which is contained in tomatillos, has the capacity to provide you with a supportable boost of energy throughout the day by enhancing the efficiency of the process and increasing the quantity of energy that is open for use.
Helps In the Treatment of Mumps
Mumps is yet another contagious disease that is caused by a virus, and that is also easily shared between people who come into close intimate contact with one another. Under the neck, there is typically a painful swelling associated with this condition.
In addition to these, patients may experience headaches, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Since mumps is caused by a virus, rather than responding to antibiotic treatment, the disease is notoriously difficult to cure.
To our good fortune, the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of tomatillos, in addition to their analgesic properties, allow tomatillos to relieve pain and soothe inflammation.
Mumps has been largely eradicated as a result of the efficacy of vaccine practices, but a resurgence is emerging as a result of the anti-vaxxer movement; therefore, it is vital to be organized in the event that there is a significant outbreak.