A Clinical Nutritionist at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research in Yaba, Lagos, Susan Holbrooke, has cautioned Nigerians that stale and rotten tomatoes may cause liver damage to the body system.
As the economic challenges in Nigeria continue to intensify, many citizens are exploring ways to reduce their food expenses or find more affordable alternatives to maintain a balanced diet.
However, one concerning option that has gained popularity due to its low cost is the consumption of rotten tomatoes, commonly known as “esha.”
Holbrooke emphasised that they are unsafe for consumption and can lead to liver damage, hinder child development, and even cause miscarriages due to aflatoxin contamination.
Mycotoxins are also present in rotten tomatoes, posing a significant risk to the liver and overall health while fresh tomatoes are known to be rich in antioxidants that protect against cell damage and contain lycopene, a beneficial plant compound associated with heart health, cancer prevention, and sunburn protection.
She explained, “Rotten tomatoes are unsafe for consumption. It can cause liver damage. For a pregnant woman with too much mycotoxin in her system, it can cause the child to be stunted. That’s why aflatoxins are poisonous to the liver. Our liver is like a powerhouse that promotes both the good and the bad things.
“When the bad thing overshadows the liver, that portion of it will be impaired. Aflatoxin causes immune deficiency in animals. It causes serious liver damage in humans, and rotten tomatoes have been known to cause many health challenges.
“Rotten tomatoes contain aflatoxins, which can predispose those who consume them to cancer. Aflatoxins are poisonous substances produced by certain kinds of fungi called moulds.
“They are found naturally all over the world, and they can contaminate food crops and pose serious health threats to humans and livestock.
Consuming rotten tomatoes, she warns, can lead to a range of health issues, including liver damage, stunted child development, and an increased risk of cancer.
The presence of aflatoxins in rotten tomatoes, which are poisonous substances produced by certain types of moulds, further complicates the issue. Aflatoxins can contaminate food crops and pose serious health threats to both humans and livestock. PUNCH
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