Green Tomatoes is a 1991 American comedy-drama film directed by Jon Avnet and based on Fannie Flagg’s 1987 novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. Written by Flagg and Carol Sobieski, and starring Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker and Cicely Tyson, the film tells the story of a housewife who, unhappy with her life, befriends an elderly lady in a nursing home and is enthralled by the tales she tells of people she used to know.

Green tomatoes are under ripe tomatoes which are firm, sour and unpleasant taste. In cooked form, it becomes delightful, moist and adds bright flavor to sauces and other dishes. Generally, in Southern dish, green tomatoes are fried and coated in cornmeal and fried. Green tomatoes are light to dark lime green in color with firm skin. It is round or plumper with broad shoulders and its size varies from 4 to 10 centimeters in diameter. It has bright chartreuse flesh and firm center with tiny and underdeveloped seeds. It has crisp and mildly juicy texture and sharp or astringent flavor with slight sweetness. It does not look vibrant as red tomatoes but offers similar nutrients. In order to reap maximum benefits, choose green tomatoes with firm and smooth skin.

Culinary uses

• In the Southern United States, fried green tomatoes are used as a as side dish. Unripe green tomatoes are coated with cornmeal and then fried.
• Use it raw or in cooked form.
• Green tomatoes can be pickled, made into sauces, relishes and ketchup.
• Add sliced green tomatoes to sandwiches or use it in rice or risotto recipes and fritters or quick loaves of bread.
• Use it as a substitute for sour green apples.
• Add it to soups.

Health Benefits of Green Tomatoes

Green tomatoes offer enormous health benefits which are reviewed below:

1. Helpful for varicose veins

Green tomatoes contain acetylsalicylic acid which acts as an anticoagulant. This could be used as an alternative therapy as a treatment for varicose veins. Put the sliced green tomatoes to prominent veins and repeat it several times to experience the best results. Varicose veins will disappear gradually.

2. Neutralize free radicals

The presence of Vitamin A and flavonoids in green tomatoes helps to combat the effects of free radicals. Free radicals forms from the UV rays of the sun and also electronic devices with radiation. Intake of ample amounts of green tomatoes helps to maintain and also lower free radicals in the body.

3. Cancer prevention

Vitamin A, as well as C, helps to strengthen antibodies that exist in the body to combat harmful cells. Vitamin K found in green tomatoes helps in preventing the development of cancer cells. Furthermore, Vitamin B6 assists in strengthening immunity and prevents access to bad bacteria in the body.

4. Cholesterol balance

Green tomatoes have no cholesterol but with 0.028 grams of saturated fatty acid, 0.030 grams of monounsaturated fatty acid ad 0.081 grams of polyunsaturated fatty acid.  The serving size of 100 grams of green tomatoes offers 1.20 grams of protein which acts as a binder of cholesterol in the blood. Also, it contains 0.20 grams of fat. Fats connect cholesterol in the intestine. Vitamin B3 has a vital role in reducing bad cholesterol.

5. Speeds healing process

Green tomatoes have bioflavonoids in it which acts as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory that support the healing process due to inflammation. It lowers inflammatory responses.

6. Prevents premature aging

The consumption of green tomatoes helps to prevent premature aging. A serving of 100 grams of tomatoes offers 23.4 mg of Vitamin C content. Vitamin C regenerates skin cells that help in preventing the appearance of wrinkles on the face. Green tomatoes are helpful in maintaining skin health.

7. Tightens skin

Green tomatoes encompass beauty benefits as well. It contains Vitamin A, potassium, and Vitamin C renowned for maintaining the skin’s freshness and also enlightening it. It maintains the skin’s elasticity so that it won’t get wrinkled.

8. Healthy diet

Green tomatoes are loaded with fiber, carbohydrates, sugar, and proteins which provide the body with the required energy and lower bad fats which causes accumulation of fats.

9. Builds muscle mass

Research has shown that presence of tomatidine assists in the formation of muscle cells by protecting muscles cells from shrinkage.

10. Maintain eyes health

Green tomatoes are helpful in maintaining healthy eyes. It has Vitamin A considered to be the crucial vitamin for maintaining eye health. Use green tomatoes as the substitute for carrots in order to maintain healthy eyes.

11. Normal blood pressure

Green tomatoes help to maintain blood pressure at a normal rate. A tomato (large) provides 24 milligrams of sodium. Diet with high sodium content is the cause of high blood pressure and promotes the chances of stroke. Potassium combat sodium effects and reduces blood pressure. Healthy adults must obtain 4700 milligrams of potassium and sodium limit to 2300 milligrams per day.

12. Reduces heart problems

Intake of green tomatoes helps to lower the chances of heart problems due to the presence of dietary fiber. Diet rich in fiber reduces the chances of heart disease. A green tomato in large offers 2 grams of fiber. Healthy adults must obtain 14 grams of dietary fiber for every 1000 calories. Soluble fiber reduces the levels of cholesterol and also the development of heart disease. About 10 percent of fiber found in tomatoes is soluble.

13. Antioxidant activity

Green tomatoes are packed with Vitamin A, C, and E which are antioxidant nutrients. Besides maintaining heart health, Vitamin C supports iron absorption from diet. In order to maintain a strong immune system and healthy vision, an adequate amount of Vitamin A is required. Vitamin E helps to prevent hemolytic anemia that reduces the onset of cataracts. An antioxidant-rich diet assists in preventing chronic diseases such as heart diseases.

References

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