10 Top Known Health Benefits Of Eating Tomatoes

Although the tomato is actually a fruit, most people consider it a vegetable.  Regardless of being a fruit or a vegetable, we all know how highly nutritious it is. It is also easy to grow so it’s no wonder that it’s a popular ingredient in dishes all over the world. Let’s take a look at some of the many health benefits of eating tomato.

10 Top Known Benefits Of Tomatoes

1. Lowers the risk for cancer

Since tomatoes are incredibly rich in antioxidants mainly from lycopene, eating them is thought to helps shield your body from cell damage caused by free radicals.  Lycopene is also thought to help keep your body from developing different types of cancer.

2. May help curb depression

Another nutrient found in tomatoes is folic acid.  This vitamin prevents the overproduction of homocysteine.  When there is too much homocysteine in the body, it affects the hormones norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin, known for controlling mood.

3. Aids in controlling diabetes

According to research, eating tomatoes can help those with diabetes by minimizing its damage to the body.  In particular, eating foods with fibre like tomatoes decreases blood sugar levels.

4. Improves digestion

Thanks to the high fibre content of tomatoes, they can inhibit constipation.  The fibre helps detoxify the body and promote healthy digestion.  Bowel movement becomes more regular and waste passes through the intestines more smoothly.

5. Regulates blood pressure levels

Tomatoes are packed with potassium which not many people know has beneficial effects on the heart and blood vessels.  Many people are actually deficient in potassium but consuming tomatoes can help meet your potassium needs.

6. Increases the health of your eyes

Aside from lycopene, tomatoes are high in beta-carotene and lutein.  Beta-carotene is transformed by our bodies into vitamin A while lutein is has antioxidant properties and protects your eyes from UV light damage.

7. Fortifies your immune system

Vitamin C, which is also found in tomatoes, is necessary for the body to create, sustain and heal tissue such as for bones and blood vessels.  It strengthens the immune system against diseases as well.

8. Enhances your complexion

Other than the immune system, the vitamin C in tomatoes is useful for improving the health of the skin.  As an antioxidant, it protects the skin and facilitates its recovery from sun damage.

 9. Helps make your bones stronger

Recent studies show that lycopene and other antioxidants can impact the health and resiliency of our bones.  From the results of the study, it was seen that a deficiency in lycopene contributed to more bone damage.

10. Strengthens your heart

The same nutrients with antioxidant properties also enhance heart health.  Vitamin C and lycopene, specifically minimizes the oxidation of lipids in the blood, which lead to cardiovascular diseases.

There are many ways to include more tomatoes in your diet.  You can eat fresh or canned tomatoes or use ketchup, paste and sauce made from tomatoes.  Try recipes which use tomatoes in their sauces or stews as well like soup, salads, pizza and pasta.