Tomatoes Amazing Health Benefits and Nutrition
Tomatoes are not only sweet, tasty but also have amazing health benefits with high nutrition. The health benefits of tomatoes include relief from diabetes, skin problems, urinary tract infections, and others. Tomatoes consist of a large number of antioxidants that have been proven to fight different forms of cancer. Tomatoes are also packed with vitamin C, low in calories, and fat-free so suitable for diet.
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| Tomatoes |
Tomato is considered both as a fruit and vegetable. Daily consumption of tomatoes provides a great boost to the health. Tomato is believed to be native to Mexico. However, the Spanish colonization of America and Central America caused tomato cultivation to spread. They have soft, pinkish red flesh and a number of seeds, as well as a slightly sweet taste. Tomatoes are the rich source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and the organic compound. The health benefits of tomatoes have been known to mankind since ancient times.
- Fight Cancer. Tomatoes are the biggest source of lycopene, an antioxidant agent that effective in scavenging cancer-causing free radicals. Studies show that eating tomatoes reduce many cancers like prostate cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, cancer of the stomach and rectum.
- Protect the Heart. Tomatoes contain important nutrients such as niacin, folate, and vitamin B6 that have associated with the reduction of heart disease risk. The lycopene in tomatoes also prevents serum lipid oxidation thus exerting a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases.
- Skin Care. Tomatoes contain beta-carotene which protects against the sun and its damage. Daily consumption of tomatoes protects the skin against UV and as anti-aging products.
- Strengthen the Bones. With rich vitamin K and calcium content, tomatoes are very good for strengthening and repairing bones. Lycopene in tomatoes also improves bone mass which is a great way to fight osteoporosis.
- Balance Blood Sugar and Lower Hypertension. Tomatoes are outstanding blood sugar regulators due to the source of chromium. Consuming a tomato daily also reduces the risk of developing hypertension due to the level of potassium in it. Potassium is a vasodilator, reduces the tension in blood vessels and arteries.
- Improve Vision. Vitamin A in tomatoes is improving vision and preventing night-blindness and macular degeneration. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant and a lot of vision problems occur due to the negative effects of free radicals and vitamin A.
- Strong Hair. The vitamin A found in tomatoes can boost your hair's health. It helps to strengthen your hair and add more shine to it.
- Prevents Kidney Stones and Gallstones. Regular consumption of tomatoes can provide relief from gallstones. Some studies suggest that kidney and gallstones are less to form in people who eat tomatoes without the seeds.
- Alleviate Chronic Pain. Tomatoes can reduce chronic pain because they are high in bioflavonoids and carotenoids and eating tomatoes can significantly lessen your pain.
- Help in Weight Loss. Tomatoes are packed with water and fiber that make them excellent filling foods to stock up on if you are trying to lose weight.
- Aid in Digestion. Tomatoes keep the digestive system healthy by preventing both constipation and diarrhea due to the large amount of fiber which can bulk the bowels and reduce symptoms of constipation.
- Manage Diabetes. A study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that daily consumption of tomatoes reduces the oxidative stress of type 2 diabetes.
- Counter the Effect of Smoking Cigarette. The coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid in tomatoes fight against nitrosamines, the main carcinogens found in cigarettes. Vitamin A in high quantities reduces the effects of carcinogens and can protect you against lung cancer.
- Prevent Urinary Tract Infections. This is because tomatoes are high in water content which can stimulate urination. Therefore, tomatoes are a diuretic. This increases the elimination of toxins from the body, as well as excess water, salts, uric acid, and some fats.