Tomatoes are amazing and come in many varieties, like beefsteak and Roma. They’re not just tasty additions to a Margherita pizza; they have many health benefits. They can positively impact different systems in our bodies. Not only do they make our meals more delicious, but they also contribute to our overall well-being.
Tomatoes’ sweetness and tanginess can differ depending on the type you pick, but all tomatoes are packed with essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C. They’re also loaded with antioxidants, essential in small amounts for keeping our hearts healthy and reducing the risk of certain cancers. Here’s a look at some of the health benefits of tomatoes.
Eating Cooked Tomato Helps to Prevent Prostate Cancer
When we cook tomatoes, we might reduce their vitamin C content, but we also make other important antioxidants more available. These antioxidants can help protect against the growth of cancer cells, so cooking tomatoes can be a great way to enjoy their health benefits.
According to a registered dietitian, Angela Houlie, Lycopene, which is found in tomatoes, can be beneficial for men. It can help lower the risk of prostate-related problems and even protect against cancer. So, including tomatoes in your diet is a way to support your overall health.
Lycopene and other plant pigments, like carotenoids, have antioxidant powers. They can help protect our bodies against cancer by fighting off those pesky free radicals found in tobacco smoke, UV light, and ultra-processed food. It’s like having antioxidants in our diet, defending our health.
There have been quite a few studies that show men who eat tomatoes, whether raw, in tomato sauce, or on pizza, have a lower risk of getting prostate cancer.
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Raw and Cooked Tomatoes Are Full of Nutrients
Tomatoes are low in calories and full of vital nutrients. One medium-sized tomato, when raw, has about 22 calories and less than a gram of fat. They’re naturally low in sodium and have a low glycemic index, with just 6 milligrams of sodium and 3 grams of sugar. A raw tomato has about half a cup of water, making it a hydrating food.
A medium tomato also includes the following nutrients: Protein: 1.1 g, Fiber: 1.5 g, Calcium: 12 mg, Magnesium: 13.5 mg, Phosphorus: 29.5 mg, Potassium: 292 mg, Vitamin C: 17 mg, Choline: 8.2 mg, and Lycopene: 3.2 mg.
When we cook tomatoes, certain antioxidants, like lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, are made more available for our bodies to absorb. These antioxidants help us fight off those pesky free radicals. Those unstable molecules can cause damage to our cells and even lead to cancer.
Tomatoes contain essential vitamins and minerals that help keep our body systems in check. They support our immune system, bones, and blood. Even in their raw form, tomatoes contain small amounts of fluoride, folate, vitamin A, vitamin K, and beta-carotene.
Tomato Consumption Supports Heart Health
Tomatoes are a great source of potassium. One medium tomato has about the same amount of potassium as a banana.
Potassium and sodium are like the dynamic duo in our hearts. They both play important roles in keeping our hearts ticking. Our hearts need these electrolytes to contract and expand properly. Potassium is crucial for relaxing our blood vessels.
If you have high blood pressure, tomatoes can be an excellent addition to your diet. They’re packed with potassium, fiber, and lycopene, which are all beneficial. Studies have shown that lycopene can help lower the risk of heart disease and even mortality. So, by enjoying some tomatoes, you’re not only treating your taste buds but also taking care of your heart.
It Helps Protect Against Dementia
Potassium plays a crucial role in how our nerves function throughout the body. A recent study found that people with a higher potassium intake and a lower sodium intake had better cognitive function. Another study looked into how carotenoids, the antioxidants that give vegetables their colors, can impact brain health in the long run.
The researchers found that people with higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in their blood, which are both found in cooked tomatoes, had lower rates of dementia. Lutein and zeaxanthin are also known to be great for keeping our eyes healthy as we age.
Tomato Also Helps in Balancing Blood Sugar
Tomatoes can be beneficial for people with diabetes in managing their blood sugar levels. The fiber in tomatoes keeps blood sugar in check and ensures smooth bowel movements.
Tomatoes have a low glycemic index, which means they won’t cause a sudden spike or drop in blood sugar. They make a great snack option to keep blood sugar levels steady throughout the day. Naringenin, a type of polyphenol found in citrus fruits and tomatoes, might have some anti-diabetic properties.
Scientists have mainly studied this in animals, but they’re hoping to do more research to see how these tomato compounds can help manage diabetes in humans, too.
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It Promotes Healthy Hair, Nail, and Skin Growth
Tomatoes contain chlorogenic acid, which helps our bodies produce collagen and keeps our skin looking fresh and beautiful. Also, raw tomatoes are packed with vitamins C and A, which can give our skin, hair, and nails a lovely brightening effect. Whether you snack on tomatoes or toss them in a salad, you give your skin extra love.
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