Health Benefits For Tomatoes
Health Benefits For Tomatoes, have many health benefits. Among the many benefits of tomatoes are their high content[1] of antioxidants, which help fight harmful substances found in tobacco smoke. Tomatoes also reduce the risk of stroke, help lower cholesterol levels, and prevent blood clotting. Read on to discover these and other benefits of tomatoes. Let’s begin! There are so many health benefits for tomatoes that eating one a day is worth it.[2]
Carotenoids
Tomatoes are loaded with antioxidants such as lycopene, which may play a role in their health benefits. Lycopene can lower cholesterol and blood pressure and may reduce the risk of stroke and heart[3] disease. It may also boost skin and hair health. In addition to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, tomatoes are packed with calcium and vitamin K, which support bone health. The high concentration of these nutrients may protect the body against osteoporosis, a disease associated with weak bones and deficiency of new bone.
Among the most abundant carotenoids in the American diet are lycopene and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene, a precursor[4] of vitamin A, is the most well-known carotene. However, lycopene has recently received considerable research attention. Studies have linked lycopene to several chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, tomato-based diets are known to contain higher amounts of lycopene than those of other fruit and vegetable sources.
These studies also suggest that carotenoids may play a role in the protective effects of fruits and vegetables against colon cancer. Large amounts of in vitro data support this hypothesis. To test this[5] hypothesis, mice were fed a low-carotene diet for 2 weeks and then given tomato or carrot juice. The researchers measured lipid peroxidation by measuring malondialdehyde in the plasma and feces, as well as the lag time of ex vivo LDL oxidation induced by copper.
In addition to lycopene, tomatoes also contain beta-carotene and lutein. All of these compounds are powerful antioxidants. Lycopene and beta-carotene have been shown to protect the eyes from damage[6] caused by light and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. In addition to lycopene, tomatoes also contain zeaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that is important for eye health.
Vitamin C
Tomatoes contain a lot of Vitamin C, which is essential for the health of the human body. A single tomato can meet almost forty percent of the daily recommended intake. Apart from Vitamin C, tomatoes[7] also contain other important nutrients, such as vitamin A, which is good for the skin, eyes, and immunity. Furthermore, tomatoes contain potassium, which is essential for heart function, muscle contraction, and fluid balance. So, eating a tomato everyday can really help you in many ways.
Apart from fighting free radicals in the body, eating tomatoes can also help with weight loss. It can be used as a facial mask. All you need to do is place the tomato on your face and let it sit for[8] about ten minutes. While this may cause redness and a little bit of discomfort, it’s definitely worth it. It also reduces your risk of cancer. To reap the benefits of Vitamin C, you can eat tomatoes throughout the year.
Tomatoes contain a lot of beta-carotene, which gives them a yellow or orange color. In the body, this substance is converted into vitamin A. A substance found in the skin of tomatoes, naringenin, has been shown to reduce inflammation in mice and protect them from various diseases. Tomatoes[9] contain other substances, such as chlorophylls and carotenoids, which give them their rich color. Lycopene is the most abundant carotenoid in ripened tomatoes. The redder the tomato, the higher its concentration of lycopene.
Tomatoes are also rich in potassium. In fact, American diets lack adequate amounts of potassium. One medium tomato[10] contains 300 mg of potassium. One cup of tomato juice or half cup of tomato sauce contains 534 milligrams of potassium. Potassium is associated with proper nerve and muscle function. Thus, eating plenty of tomatoes is a great way to get plenty of Vitamin C. It’s worth remembering that tomatoes are one of the best sources of potassium, which can help protect your heart health.
Tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant vitamin A, known as beta carotene. The antioxidant helps fight free radicals[11] in our bodies and may prevent diseases like cancer and gum disease. However, eating large amounts of raw tomatoes may damage the enamel on your teeth. The acid content in tomatoes can damage enamel. Therefore, wait 30 minutes after eating a tomato before brushing your teeth. This can help prevent enamel damage.
Beta carotene
The tomato is an excellent source of vitamin A, which can prevent blindness in people with low levels of vitamin A. Lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, protects the eye from damage caused by free radicals in the body. Vitamin C may prevent the development[12] of cataracts in older people. Copper is a mineral that helps the eyes produce melanin, the black pigment in the eye. Beta carotene transforms into retinol, an important nutrient needed for good eye health.
The FDA’s Food and Drug Administration has reviewed studies of tomato-based supplements and foods containing lycopene, but not of the health benefits of lycopene. However, studies on tomato consumption[13] alone have not proven a link between tomatoes and reduced cancer risks. However, if tomatoes contain high amounts of lycopene, they are a great source of vitamin A.
Vitamin A in particular has many benefits. It can lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and fight free radicals, all of which are associated with cancer. Studies also show that eating foods rich[14] in beta carotene may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. A study conducted in Japan also indicates that vitamin A may help prevent colon cancer. In addition, a diet rich in fibre lowers the risk of colon cancer.
Potassium
The lycopene contained in tomatoes may have a role in the prevention of cancer and gum disease. It may also fight free radicals and prevent disease. However, there is a downside to eating a lot of raw tomatoes: the acid can damage the enamel on the teeth. That is why it’s important[15] to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after eating tomatoes. Instead, eat a small amount and brush later.
To get the most benefit from tomatoes, they need high levels of potassium. Typical tomato crops use more than 267 pounds per acre of land. In addition, tomatoes need high levels of potassium in their soil because[16] too much sodium inhibits the uptake of other cations. Potassium balance is critical for healthy plant growth in saline environments because too much sodium reduces the absorption of other cations.
Tomatoes are 95% water. They have less than 18 calories per 100 grams, 0.9 grams of protein, 3.9 grams of sugar, 1.2 grams of fibre, and 0.2 grams of fat. Because tomatoes are low in carbohydrates[17] and high in fibre, they may help you lose weight. They are also rich in vitamin C and lycopene. But you should consult with your doctor before consuming tomatoes. The recommended daily amount of vitamin C and potassium for men and women depends on the type of kidney disease you have and on the type of dialysis you are on.
Aside from the potassium content, tomatoes also contain lycopene, a flavonoid with potent antioxidant properties. These substances[18] have a protective effect on the skin, but not enough to replace sunscreen. A healthy dose of this phytochemical in tomatoes can help prevent the formation of free radicals, which can lead to heart disease and cancer. Besides being rich in vitamin C, tomatoes contain lycopene, which has been shown to protect the eyes.
