Tomato Benefits Backed By Science

Tomatoes can be a source of good health. Once termed as a toxic fruit, tomatoes are now a staple diet in almost every house in the USA. Research has been done on tomato's nutrient properties. The benefits of the same are astounding.

In this article, you will learn about the nutritional properties of tomatoes and their positive effects on health. Further, it aims to offer scientifically researched benefits of tomatoes in several health conditions.

Nutritional Components Of Tomato

Tomatoes contain nutrient-rich compounds. These components provide multiple health benefits for better body function. The nutrients found in a tomato are vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, carotenoids, fiber, and protein. Let's look at a few common components and what they are.

Minerals & Vitamins

Minerals and vitamins are important in the evolution of your body. There are hard minerals that help in bodily functions. Tomato has 23 varieties of minerals, some of which include potassium, calcium, sodium, chromium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It is also assumed to provide vitamins K, C, E, B-complex, and Folate.

These vitamins are needed for the nervous system and digestive functions, possibly assist neurological diseases, and improve sight.

Carotenoids

The pigments in tomatoes are plant carotenoids. Carotenoids such as lycopene, lutein + zeaxanthin, and β-carotene are known to provide multiple health benefits. These bioactive carotenoids can protect your body against different disease states.

Their anticancer properties play a vital role in cancer treatment. Lycopene and β-carotene also reduce the risk of CVDs by protecting blood vessels from oxidative stress.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants in tomatoes help the oxidative process in your body. They protect your body cells from damage by working as a frontline cellular defense.

Tomatoes contain some really important antioxidants - vitamin C, Lycopene, flavonoids, and β-carotene. These powerful compounds combat aging and keep your immune system running like a top.

So, you can see, eating tomatoes can fulfill your body's nutritional needs. But to gain effective tomato benefits, you should consult with a dietitian or health professional for a specifically guided diet.

Benefits Of Tomatoes

You have understood what type of nutrients are found in a tomato. Now, it's time to delve into its benefits. Each section will give you a detailed overview of the benefits of tomatoes, which are scientifically proven.

Prevents Cancer

Talking about the benefits, who knew tomatoes could prevent cancer? Nonetheless, there are also some studies indicating that the risk of the disease is reduced if tomatoes are taken in your healthy diet. It is lower than if you cannot eat tomatoes due to the content of lycopene in tomatoes.

Lycopene serves as a natural antioxidant in your body and slows degenerative cancer cells. It may also protect your body from cell damage and kill cancer cells. Cooked tomatoes are more effective than raw ones.

It increases the lycopene level and gives an ample supply of antioxidants in the body. They can prevent pancreatic and prostate cancers by keeping the body cells healthy.

Takes Care Of Heart Health

Increasing the intake of tomatoes can improve your heart health. Studies suggest that the nutrients like potassium and Vitamin B, present in it can help control cholesterol levels in the body.

Tomatoes also provide ascorbic acid and vitamin C, which maintain the blood pressure of your body. With these minerals, you can have better immune system health in the long run, because they support regular blood flow. They assist in blood clotting & inflammation.

Because of this, tomatoes help in avoiding cardiovascular disease, such as stroke and heart attack, through the maintenance of a healthy heart.

Supports Bone Health

Calcium and Vitamin K are both important for your bone health. These are found in an adequate amount of tomatoes.

Plus, the lycopene in tomatoes has also been linked to improved bone density, giving your skeleton some serious backup. Hence, a tomato-based diet can provide an essential protein called osteocalcin to strengthen the bones.

Manages Blood Sugar Levels

According to researchers, tomatoes may help regulate blood sugar levels in the body. Tomatoes are valuable sources of chromium (which imparts significant health benefits) and vitamin C, both of which efficacy for treating diabetes, because they can manage vitamin deficiencies. Tomatoes can assist in the processing of insulin and glucose in the body.

Better Cognitive Function

In-depth studies are underway related to the usefulness in cognitive development. However, according to some research, Lycopene and Vitamin C antioxidants are useful in supporting neurological disorders. Tomatoes work as a nervine tonic that can help in better cognitive function.

Promotes Healthy Skin

When it comes to healthy skin, tomato is the best natural way to get it. The presence of Lycopene in it protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Similarly, a balanced diet of tomatoes can create a natural shield within your skin and works as a sunscreen and protects against sunburn.

Improves Vision

A further advantage of tomatoes is that they may be used to treat vision loss. According to studies, nutrient compounds such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C can increase the flow of blood to the areas of vision.

This can also shield the eye's lens from blue light and can lower cataracts. So, consuming tomatoes regularly can improve your eyesight and maintain your eyes healthy and disease-free.

Faster Healing of Wounds

Tomatoes contain a rich amount of Vitamin C; eating them helps to heal wounds since they contain the antioxidant properties in Vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a significant role in tissue growth and repair as well.

Food based on tomatoes can enable your body's healing processes. Researchers have confirmed that eating tomatoes in any form, be it raw, cooked, or taken as a sauce, can make your overall health better.

Conclusion

Known as the most popular fruit, tomatoes are packed with multiple nutrients. Often considered just a plant-based food, it has more value in providing a natural remedy for diseases.

All the tomato benefits are backed by science, which offers effective outcomes for human health. Hence, it would be appropriate to say that eating a tomato every day can keep all your health problems away.