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Bioactivities of phytochemicals present in tomato

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Abstract

Tomato is a wonder fruit fortified with health-promoting phytochemicals that are beneficial in preventing important chronic degenerative disorders. Tomato is a good source of phenolic compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids), carotenoids (lycopene, α, and β carotene), vitamins (ascorbic acid and vitamin A) and glycoalkaloids (tomatine). Bioactive constituents present in tomato have antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic activities. Health promoting bioactivities of tomatoes make them useful ingredient for the development of functional foods. Protective role of tomato (lycopene as a potent antioxidant) in humans against various degenerative diseases are known throughout the world. Intake of tomato is inversely related to the incidence of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, ageing and many other health problems. Bioavailability of phytoconstituents in tomato is generally not affected by routine cooking processes making it even more beneficial for human consumption. The present review provides collective information of phytochemicals in tomato along with discussing their bioactivities and possible health benefits.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi (F.No 38 (1399)/14/EMR-II) and University Grants Commission, New Delhi for providing the financial assistance under MRP, UPE, CPEPA and DRS schemes.

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  1. Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India

    Poonam Chaudhary, Ashita Sharma & Avinash Kaur Nagpal

  2. P.G. Department of Biotechnology, Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab, 143002, India

    Balwinder Singh

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  1. Poonam Chaudhary
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  2. Ashita Sharma
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  3. Balwinder Singh
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Correspondence to Balwinder Singh or Avinash Kaur Nagpal.

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Chaudhary, P., Sharma, A., Singh, B. et al. Bioactivities of phytochemicals present in tomato. J Food Sci Technol 55, 2833–2849 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-018-3221-z

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