Some Health Benefits Of Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the red, fruit of the plant Solanum lycopersicum commonly known as a tomato plant. The plant belongs to the nightshade family called Solanaceae.
Its use as a food originated in Mexico, and spread throughout the world following the Spanish colonization. Tomato is consumed in diverse ways, including raw, as an ingredient in many dishes, sauces, salads, and drinks.
Health Benefits
Protect the Heart
The lycopene in tomatoes exerts a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. A regular consumption of tomatoes helps to decrease the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. These lipids are the key culprits in cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, they lead to the deposition of fats in the blood vessels.
Counter the Effect of Smoking Cigarette
The coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid, in tomatoes, fight against the main carcinogens found in cigarettes. The presence of vitamin A in high quantities reduces the effects of carcinogens and can protect you against lung cancer.
Improve Vision
Vitamin A, present in tomatoes, aids in improving vision and preventing night-blindness. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that can be formed from an excess of beta-carotene in the body.
Aid in Digestion
Tomatoes keep the digestive system healthy by preventing both constipation and diarrhea. They also prevent jaundice and effectively remove toxins from the body. Furthermore, they have a large amount of fiber, which can bulk the bowels and reduce symptoms of constipation.
Skin Care
Tomatoes aid in maintaining healthy teeth, bones, hair, and skin. Daily consumption protects the skin against UV. Also,they rank high in the preparation of anti-aging products.
Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Tomato intake reduces the incidence of urinary tract infections, as well as bladder cancer. This is because tomatoes are high in water content, which can stimulate urination. Moreover, this increases the elimination of toxins from the body, as well as excess water, salts, uric acid, and some fats as well.
