Incorporating a diverse range of colorful produce in your diet ensures a rich supply of nutrients. However, sticking to the same foods can become monotonous, despite the health benefits of a vibrant plate. If you’re seeking to break out of this routine, consider adding an often overlooked green fruit to your meals. This fruit not only enhances flavor but also offers potential health benefits, such as a lower risk of cancer and improved blood sugar control.
You might recognize this fruit, commonly mistaken for a vegetable due to its resemblance to a smaller beefsteak tomato. (To clarify, tomatoes are technically fruits too.) This fruit is the tomatillo, whose crisp, tangy flesh can bring a refreshing twist to salsas, salads, stews, and more. While eating tomatillos won’t guarantee cancer prevention, they contain compounds like withanolides that have been researched for their anticancer properties. (Here are other unexpected foods that may help you prevent cancer.)
Keeping cancer from growing
A 2016 review in Springer Nature explored studies on the potential of withanolides to prevent or inhibit cancer. The review found that withanolides seemed to inhibit the growth of various cancer cells, including those associated with skin, breast, and colon cancers.
What contributes to the anticancer potential of withanolides? A 2023 review in Chemico-Biological Interactions suggests their anti-inflammatory properties play a role. Additionally, withanolides could enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments when used together.
Regardless of how withanolides combat cancer, a 2021 article in Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry recommended leveraging withanolides to fight cancerous tumors. Notably, tomatillos were directly mentioned, linking the green fruit to an anticancer reputation. Finally, findings from a 2006 review in the FEBS Journal highlight the cancer chemopreventive potential of compounds found in tomatillos.
Bring down blood sugar naturally
The potential anticancer benefits of tomatillos alone make them worth trying on your next shopping trip. Additionally, tomatillos may assist in managing blood sugar levels. With a low glycemic index, they are a suitable choice for those seeking foods to help lower high blood sugar levels. Their fiber content plays a role in steady sugar digestion, preventing spikes.
A 100-gram serving of tomatillos provides 1.9 grams of fiber. While this might seem modest, every bit of fiber is beneficial. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults should consume 22 to 34 grams of fiber daily, depending on age and gender. Including tomatillos in your diet, whether cooked or raw, can contribute positively to your overall health.
