7 Health Benefits of Tomatoes
- Tomatoes may improve your heart health.
According to Bowden Tomatoes are the number one with a bullet lycopene that is a natural antioxidant which gives tomatoes their nice red color .
Research shows that lycopene affects the cardiovascular system in many ways. For example,it helps control blood pressure and prevent atherosclerosis.
2. Tomatoes may lower your cancer risk.
Researchers found that men who ate pizza twice or more a week reduced their risk for prostate cancer by 23%, a fact that did not go unnoticed in dormitories everywhere.
The scientists believe the effect came from the lycopene in the tomato sauce. Since then, other research has emerged that shows there may be a link between tomato consumption and a lower risk of ovarian, gastric, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.
3. Tomatoes can give you a vitamin boost.
Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Tomatoes in general are considered a high-potassium food. For comparison, a medium tomato has 292 mg of potassium while a medium banana has 422 mg.
4. Tomatoes may reduce the effects of diabetes.
Vegetables and fruits are always smart to include on your plate if you have diabetes. However, research has found that tomatoes actually seem to lower the oxidative stress, inflammation, atherosclerosis, and tissue damage that diabetes triggers.
5. Tomatoes can help you stay regular.
Tomatoes are a good source of fiber—one medium one contains 1.5 g. Fiber helps keep food moving through your digestive system so that you have regular bowel movements.
6. Tomatoes can protect your skin.
Studies have found that eating tomatoes may reduce UV damage to skin and lower the risk of sunburn.
7. Tomatoes can safeguard your vision.
If you need one more reason to eat more lycopene-rich foods, studies have linked lycopene consumption to a lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and potentially cataracts.
While you’re stocking up on tomatoes, grab some eggs and green leafy vegetables, both of which contain lutein and zeaxanthin—two other eye-healthy carotenoids.