Tomatillos are native to Mexico. They are sometimes called “Mexican pods” because of their appearance – when they are not ripe, they are covered with light brown pods that come off when ready for consumption.
In another article I have discussed how to grow and store tomatillos.
Are tomatillos toxic? Or are tomatillos healthy?
If they are toxic then why? Or they healthy then what is the nutritional value and health benefits of tomatillos.
I will answer all of the questions in this article. Read carefully and learn aren’t tomatillos good for you?
Nutritional Value Tomatillo
Tomatillos are a very good source of dietary fiber, niacin, potassium, and manganese. They contain 20 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, 1 percent of vitamin K, and also provides iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper.
Compared to tomatoes, tomatillos provide some more calories, fat, and protein per ounce, but their extra fibers, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins make up for it.
A medium tomatillo may only contain 11 calories but come with 91 milligrams of potassium. B-carotenes zeaxanthin and lutein impart extraordinarily potent antioxidant properties that work with vitamin A to protect vision and help prevent muscular degeneration. Vitamin A also helps maintain healthy mucous membranes and skin, and flavonoids do their part by inhibiting cancer of the lungs and mouth.
A recently discovered naturally occurring phytochemical component called withanolides, such as Ixocarpalactone-A is one of the components in the tomatillo that is not only antibacterial but also a natural cancer fighter.
Traditional healers in India have been known to prescribe foods that contain these compounds as a tonic for arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, even if they did not know why it works.
Modern science has proven that it has the ability to fight inflammation and prevent the formation of veins and tumors that promote cancer growth.
Wild tomatillo (Physalis longifolia) was recently found to be also cancer preventative. The discovery began when three members of the University of Kansas team traveled to South America on a “bioprospecting” excursion and found a native plant with anti-cancer potential.
Nutritional Information of Tomatillo
3.5 ounces (100 grams) raw Tomatillos contain-
| Nutrients | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 32 |
| Fat calories | 9 |
| Total fat | 1 |
| Saturated fat | 0 |
| Cholesterol | 0 |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6 g |
| Dietary fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Vitamin C | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 2% |
| Calcium | 1% |
| Iron | 3% |
* Percentages of Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Their values can be higher or lower according to their caloric needs
Tomatillos Health Benefits
Encourage Better Digestion
Tomatillos are nightshade vegetables. Like other nightshade vegetables, Tomatillos are excellent sources of fiber. It only means that eating them regularly brings a lot of digestive benefits.
They help to improve the production of digestive juices and enzymes that are all necessary for the properly broken down eaten foods so that your intestines can easily access all their vitamins and minerals. In addition, adequate amounts of fiber in tomatillos help to detoxify the body and prevent constipation, gas and bloating
Moreover, fiber regulates the release of carbohydrates in the bloodstream, so it lowers blood sugar levels useful for those who suffer from diabetes and need to control glucose.
Promote a Healthy Heart
Everyone knows that fiber is not only good for the digestive system but also for the cardiovascular system. Because the fiber helps clean the arteries, thus preventing all the dangers associated with clogged arteries from striking. In other words, eating tomatillos regularly can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Another reason tomatillos are good for the heart is the presence of vitamin C. In fact, This nutrient is an antioxidant that helps maintain cholesterol levels in foods, rather than in the arteries.
Strengthen the Immune System
The presence of Vitamin C makes Tomatillos excellent immune boosters, resulting in a significant reduction in your risk of having upper respiratory infections.
Especially when the cold or flu season, you can eat tomatillos and other Vitamin C-rich foods to keep you from rolling over in bad weather.
In addition, it also increases the segregation of collagen, which is responsible for maintaining the skin, cells, and tissues that make up the organs and blood vessels in good condition.
Keep Eyes Healthy
The contribution of vitamins and the amount of beta-carotene, which is also a derivative of vitamin A, primarily associated with eye health. Vitamin A is actually antioxidant and excellent for protecting your eye cells from the damage caused by excess free radicals.
Eye experts say eating many vitamin A-rich foods like tomatillos to your daily diet is a great idea if you want to keep your vision intact and reduces the symptoms of any other eye disease.
Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
Like many other fruits and vegetables, tomatillos can help fight cancer. These Mexican tomatoes contain antioxidants phytochemicals, such as ixocarpalactone A that neutralize excess free radicals in the body before they have the chance to damage healthy cells and leave them mutated, which can pave the way for the formation of cancer.
According to scientists, antioxidants found abundantly in tomatillos are particularly beneficial for the prevention of cancer of the mouth and lung.
Accelerate Weight Loss
Do you want to lose extra pounds? Then tomatillos cannot be missing in your daily meal. They provide nutrients and fiber with low calories. Therefore, it facilitates the elimination of bad fats and making your muscle stronger and fat-free.
Increase Energy
Tomatillos contribute to niacin that helps us break down food and complex molecules into energy reserves. Tomatillos contain potassium, which helps take care of the cardiovascular system. Potassium is a vasodilator, so it is responsible for:
- Relax the blood vessels.
- Promote circulation.
- Reduce tension
- Improve oxygenation in the body.
If we add the powerful fiber content to these functions, then the levels of bad cholesterol will be less. In this way, we will prevent the occurrence of diseases such as arteriosclerosis, heart attacks or strokes and heart health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tomatillos Acidic?
-Yes, raw green tomatillos are acidic (pH 3.83 )than cooked. Raw green tomatillos taste like slightly sour, like lemon But Purple or red Tomatillos are ideal to turn into jams and jellies because they have a much sweeter taste than greens.
Are Tomatillos Toxic?
-Obviously, this is a stupid question. Though many people claim that green tomatillos are toxic. But Good news is Tomatillos aren’t toxic. There is no poisonous thing inside it. Remove the papery husk, wash sticky coating off properly and eat the green tomatillos without any hesitation.
Remember, It is acidic and contains fructose, which can be harmful to health. So avoid overeating. Tomatillos leaves and stems are poisonous. So take into that account before eating raw tomatillos.
Are Tomatillos Spicy?
-Tomatillos have a sweet or savory tangy spicy flavor. You may already know that green tomatillos have a lemony flavor for its highly acidic nature but ripe tomatillos are less acidic and taste sweeter.
Summary
It contains nutrients of vitamins and minerals that include fiber, potassium, vitamins A, C and K, niacin, manganese, B-carotenes zeaxanthin and lutein, iron plus, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. But the best component is a relatively new discovery called withanolides.
First, three researchers from the University of Kansas discovered 14 new compounds in wild tomatillo showing significant anti-cancer properties. Subsequently, studies have found that it is a bunch of more powerful compounds against cancer than chemotherapy. But tomatillos are still the same fruits wrapped in the vineyard, so to speak, that makes the addictive green sauces and other recipes of Mexican influence.
This is more proof that, more than any other factor, natural foods with their naturally healthy properties are the key to the good life.
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