More than being a major ingredient in various delicious and savoury recipes, tomatoes provide a rich mixture of phytochemicals and micronutrients. One of the most abundant phytochemicals in tomatoes is lycopene, a powerful antioxidant with several health benefits. Another essential antioxidant in tomatoes is beta-carotene, which our body uses to make vitamin A. In addition to antioxidants, tomatoes are rich in micronutrients such as folate, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. The health benefits of tomatoes are tremendous, making this fruit an excellent addition to your daily diet.
What are the Health Benefits of Tomatoes?
As it is packed with several micronutrients, the tomato is one of the most significant contributors to a healthy diet. More importantly, it can be enjoyed raw or cooked without losing nutritional value. Most tomato products consumed regularly, such as juice, soup, ketchup, and puree, comprise tomato in processed forms.
Below are the following health benefits of tomatoes:
- Reduces cancer risk
Tomatoes have shown their impact on reducing the risk of cancer. Lycopene and beta carotenoids are well-known antioxidants that reduce the damaging effect of free radicals produced during various physiological and pathological processes, thereby reducing cancer risk.
- Lowers heart disease risk
Tomatoes are also known to reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Studies have shown that the lycopene content in this fruit can protect against heart disease. Regular tomato consumption has reduced plasma cholesterol and triglycerides and raised plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, thus helping prevent heart diseases.
- Reduces neuronal diseases and protects brain health
Various neuronal (neurodegenerative) diseases, including stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc., are known to be associated with unhealthy diet. Studies have demonstrated that the antioxidant lycopene in tomatoes has a protective effect on the brain and prevents such neuronal diseases.
- Mitigates digestion-related issues
Studies have shown that tomatoes can help build a healthy gut microbiome that helps promote gut health and aid better digestion. Eating tomatoes also helps eliminate constipation, given their high fibre content. Further, this must-have culinary ingredient helps fight metabolic syndrome and related diseases.
- Reduces type-2 diabetes risk
Tomatoes contain high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes.
- Supports immune function
Tomatoes boost immunity, given their high vitamin C content. Besides, phytochemicals such as antioxidants play a supportive role in building good immunity.