Health benefits of tomato
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Oct 14, 2020 • 3 min Read
Not only tasty but also healthy — tomatoes are a staple food for many nations. It’s one of the most consumed and popular vegetables in the world. They appear in sauces, salads, juices, soups, and elsewhere. This versatile fruit/vegetable is rich in natural vitamins and minerals.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of tomato, from Organic Facts, a health and nutrition information website:
1. Antioxidant Agent
Tomatoes contain a large amount of lycopene, a carotenoid and an antioxidant that is highly effective in scavenging cancer-causing free radicals. This benefit can even be obtained from heat-processed tomato products like ketchup.
2. Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals
A single tomato provides about 40 percent of the daily vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that prevents free radicals from damaging the body’s systems. It also contains vitamin A and potassium, as well as iron. Potassium plays a vital role in maintaining nerve health, and iron is essential for maintaining normal blood circulation. Vitamin K is also abundantly found in tomatoes, which is essential for blood clotting and controlling bleeding.
3. Protects the Heart
The lycopene in tomatoes prevents serum lipid oxidation, thus exerting a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of tomatoes or tomato juice decreases the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
4. Counters the Effect of Smoking Cigarettes
Smoking is a pathway for lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses that only worsen over time. Research and study state that tomato lycopene inhibits the growth and may be effective against the development of lung cancer.
5. Improves Vision
Vitamin A, present in tomatoes, aids in improving vision and preventing night-blindness and macular degeneration. A lot of vision problems occur due to the negative effects of free radicals and vitamin A, being a powerful antioxidant, can help prevent them.
6. Aids in Digestion
Tomatoes keep the digestive system healthy by preventing gastrointestinal issues. Furthermore, they have a large amount of fiber that can bulk the bowels and reduce symptoms of constipation. A healthy amount of fiber helps stimulate peristaltic motion in the smooth digestive muscles and release gastric and digestive juices. This can regulate your bowel movements, thereby improving your overall digestive health and helping protect against health issues.
7. Lowers Hypertension
Consuming tomatoes frequently reduces the risk of developing hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. This is partially due to the impressive levels of potassium found in tomatoes. Potassium is a vasodilator, it reduces the tension in blood vessels and arteries, thereby increasing circulation and lowering the stress on the heart by reducing hypertension.
8. Manages Diabetes
A study published indicates that daily consumption of tomatoes can help reduce the oxidative stress of type-2 diabetes.
9. Skin Care
Tomatoes aid in maintaining healthy teeth, bones, hair, and skin. The topical application of tomato juice is known to cure severe sunburns. Daily consumption protects the skin against UV-induced erythema. They rank high in the preparation of anti-aging products. Furthermore, an antiperspirant composition for the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) containing tomato as one of the ingredients was patented.
10. Prevent Gallstones
Tomato is a good source of vitamin C and may help in providing relief from gallstones. There have been various studies to prove their efficacy against many chronic diseases.
Daily consumption of tomatoes fulfills the requirement of vitamins, minerals, and exerts an overall protective effect on the body. With all the health benefits of eating tomatoes, make it a habit to include in your daily meals. Go for this juicy red fruit every day!
Stay healthy and safe!
