Tomato is considered both a fruit and a vegetable, forming an integral part of cuisines all across the globe, with numerous benefits.
Daily consumption of tomatoes provides a great boost to health, along with improving the flavor of food. You find them in countless different foods, including pastas, pizzas, ketchup, etc. They are relatively easy to cultivate and grow very quickly, which is a big reason why it is a staple food for many nations.
The many health benefits of tomatoes can be attributed to their wealth of nutrients and vitamins, including an impressive amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K, as well as significant amounts of vitamin B6, folate, and thiamin. They are also a good source of potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper, as well as a number of organic compounds like lycopene.
Here are 5 reasons why you should eat more tomatoes:
1.) Lowers blood pressure
Maintaining a low sodium intake helps to maintain healthy blood pressure. However, increasing potassium intake may be just as important due to its widening effects on the arteries.
Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene. These are powerful antioxidants that have been shown to protect the eyes against light-induced damage, the development of cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
2.) Provides folic acid
Adequate folate intake is essential before and during pregnancy to protect against neural tube defects in infants.
Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. It is available in supplements but can also be boosted through dietary measures.
While it is recommended that women who are pregnant take a folic acid supplement, tomatoes are a great source of naturally occurring folate. This applies equally to women who may become pregnant in the near future.
3. Prevents several types of cancer
Several studies have been conducted that indicate that the high levels of lycopene in tomatoes work to reduce your chances of developing chronic diseases and cancer, such as prostate, colorectal, and stomach cancer. Lycopene is a natural antioxidant that works effectively to slow the growth of cancerous cells. Cooked tomatoes produce even more lycopene, so go ahead and cook up a famous tomato soup.
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A healthy amount of fiber helps to stimulate peristaltic motion in the smooth digestive muscles and also releases gastric and digestive juices. This can regulate your bowel movements, thereby improving your overall digestive health and helping you avoid conditions like colorectal cancer.
4.) Facial treatment
Have a lot of acne and blackheads? You need not worry. Take a tomato, slice it in two, and then squeeze the juice into your palms and rub it on a freshly washed face. Better still, you can blend it into a fine paste and apply it as a face mask. Believe me, this does wonders.
Tomatoes are also one of the best superfoods when it comes to fighting off wrinkles. It’s true. This red, juicy fruit can do wonders for your skin.
5.)Heals wounds/sores
The humble tomato often goes underappreciated, but it’s abundant in vitamins and nutrients that promote efficient wound healing. A drop or two of tomato juice, when rubbed around a sore, quickly closes up a wound.
