Botanists classify tomatoes as fruit, but they are vegetables. They are developed in the ovary of a flowering plant and contain seeds but are eaten as a vegetable. This is because they contain several beneficial compounds and nutrients that promote health. These benefits are reflected in the benefits that tomatoes have on the body. The weight loss doctor in Houston will discuss a few of the health benefits you can derive from tomatoes.
Immune System
Tomatoes are a surprising source of vitamin C. Just one cup contains 25 milligrams of vitamin C. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, a phytochemical believed to reduce inflammation and prevent cancer. Cooked tomatoes are better at absorbing this compound than raw ones. Whether you’re eating raw or cooked tomatoes, both are excellent sources of antioxidants. Vitamin C and lycopene from tomatoes are beneficial for the immune system.
Tomatoes also protect the lungs. The compounds in tomatoes help prevent emphysema and asthma, two diseases that affect air sacs in the lungs. Several studies suggest that tomatoes can help prevent emphysema, a disease that affects lung tissue. Scientists are still working to determine which nutrients are involved in this effect, but the antioxidants in tomatoes can help the body fend off toxins found in tobacco smoke.
The best way to reap the benefits of tomatoes is to eat more of them. But don’t feel bad about eating raw tomatoes – unless you have an acid reflux problem. Raw tomatoes are also high in vitamin C and contain nearly 40% of the recommended daily allowance. Tomatoes contain vitamins A and K, but cooking them reduces their levels. They are rich in potassium and are an excellent source of fiber.
Heart
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Studies show that regular consumption of tomatoes reduces blood LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. These lipids contribute to atherosclerosis and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, tomatoes lower blood pressure and may help prevent certain cancers. Here are some other tomato health benefits.
Tomatoes are high in lycopene, an essential component of tomato phytonutrients. It supports cardiovascular health in combination with other phytonutrients. Less than two percent of U.S. adults reach the recommended daily allowance for potassium. Consuming tomatoes and tomato products with lycopene have been associated with a 20 percent reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. These benefits, however, may be more substantial than we might realize.
Another study claims that tomato juice can reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure. Researchers from the Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan, reviewed nearly 500 patients and found that participants with pre-hypertension reduced their blood pressure by 9%. Their diastolic blood pressure fell from eight3.7 to eight0.9 mm Hg. Similarly, those with high-bad cholesterol reduced their levels from fifteen to ninety-five milligrams/dL.
Eyes
Tomatoes contain beneficial vitamins and antioxidants, which are crucial to your eyes. You may be familiar with these antioxidants as zeaxanthin and lutein, which help protect your eyes from damage caused by blue light. This antioxidant complex also helps protect the retina and reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration. In addition to eye health, tomatoes are also a great source of copper, which helps produce melanin, a critical black pigment in the eye.
Tomatoes contain lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene, powerful antioxidants that protect the eye from cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and other damaging effects of light. A study conducted in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study found a direct connection between consumption of tomato-based foods and a reduced risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, tomatoes contain collagen, an essential protein that protects the skin and connective tissue.
Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin A. The phytochemical lutein in tomatoes is converted into retinol in the retina. This pigment is necessary for optimal vision. Although fresh tomatoes may be more affordable in the winter, canned tomatoes are a better choice for their richer nutrients. If you’re concerned about pesticide residue, wash them well before eating. Tomatoes are among the most nutritious fruits and vegetables. However, tomatoes contain high amounts of pesticide residue, so washing them thoroughly before eating is vital.
Lungs
Fresh fruits and vegetables like tomatoes may have lung-health benefits. According to a recent study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a tomato-rich diet can reduce skin cancer risk by half and boost your immune system. In addition, tomatoes may also help slow the decline of lung function in ex-smokers, and they may even reverse the damage caused by smoking. A tomato-rich diet can also prevent lung damage.
The study analyzed the diets and lung function of 650 adults. Participants filled out questionnaires on food intake as well as underwent spirometry testing. The researchers also assessed factors like age, gender, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and total energy intake. Those who ate more than two portions of fresh tomatoes daily had better lung function. Although the study was conducted over a decade, the results are still encouraging.
Lycopene, a nutrient found in tomatoes, may improve lung function in smokers. The dietary antioxidant helps to reduce airway inflammation. It may also protect against COPD and asthma. This antioxidant-rich food may also slow the natural decline of lung function in smokers. And because it’s packed with vitamin C, tomatoes may help reduce the risk of stomach, colon, and prostate cancer. This is because they are antioxidant-rich foods.
Blood Vessels
Tomatoes are rich in flavonoids, which help strengthen the walls of blood vessels. The fruit’s acidic properties also boost blood flow, reducing pressure on the veins. Even though the practice of wrapping one’s legs in slices of tomato has probably gone out of style, the truth is that tomato consumption may contribute to the overall health of your blood vessels. Whether or not tomatoes directly benefit the heart remains to be seen, but the benefits of eating tomatoes may be worth a try.
The tomato contains an antioxidant called lycopene, which may contribute to its positive effects on blood circulation. This nutrient may also help prevent arteriosclerosis, a condition that thickens the arteries due to plaque deposits. These deposits can contribute to atherosclerosis, which in turn can lead to heart attacks and strokes. In addition to these benefits, tomatoes contain a wide variety of other antioxidants that help lower blood pressure and increase blood flow.
Researchers have discovered that a diet rich in tomatoes can reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease, including elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis. Studies conducted on people with CVD showed that eating more tomatoes improved blood lipid levels, lowered blood pressure, and improved endothelial function. Increasing tomato intake may even help reduce the risk for heart disease. This is an excellent benefit that anyone can enjoy. You may be surprised by what you can find when you eat tomatoes.
Oral Health
Tomatoes are a rich source of antioxidants, a powerful substance that boosts the immune system. It also neutralizes harmful free radicals, which can damage cells in the body and contribute to various health conditions. Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, is found in tomatoes and helps prevent cavities and gum disease. It may also prevent osteoporosis. And since tomatoes contain so many nutrients, including vitamin K and calcium, they can help prevent bone loss.
However, tomatoes have a high acid content. When consumed in large quantities, the acids in tomatoes can cause painful heartburn. If you experience heartburn after eating tomatoes, consult your doctor immediately. Additionally, you should avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating raw tomatoes, as this will only worsen the damage. Waiting 30 minutes before brushing your teeth will help protect the enamel. Researchers believe that lycopene acts on cells from the inside and prevents cavities.
The antioxidants found in natural tomatoes may protect against periodontal disease caused by inflammation. And because they are organic, they are more likely to have higher levels of polyphenols. Organic tomatoes take longer to ripen than their non-organic counterparts, making them more likely to contain more of these compounds. In one study, researchers in Spain found that organic tomatoes were higher in flavones than conventionally-grown ones.
Skin
The benefits of tomatoes for skin extend beyond its ability to protect the skin from sun damage. They can also fight the effects of aging. The skin absorbs dirt and oil and becomes clogged with excess oil and bacteria. Regular cleansing is no longer sufficient. Tomatoes contain enzymes that gently exfoliate the skin. They also balance the moisture and oils of the skin. Applying tomatoes to your face twice daily may lead to healthy, glowing skin.
A daily dose of tomato juice can help acne-prone skin. Tomato juice is also beneficial in reducing excess oil on the face. Just pour some on your face and let it dry for about 15 minutes. Then, wash it off with water to reveal beautiful, clear skin. As an added benefit, the acidity of the tomato reduces the formation of new skin cells and evens skin pH. To get the benefits of tomatoes for the skin, try these home remedies:
Tomato juice can be applied to the scalp to help with dandruff. Vitamin C in tomatoes helps to prevent dandruff, a condition that can lead to scalp psoriasis and eczema. Tomato juice has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help fight dandruff. Additionally, it contains collagen for proper scalp tissue development. Apply a thin layer of tomato juice to your scalp and leave it on for about 30 minutes before washing it off.
