Health Benefits Of Tomatoes According to botany, the tomato is a fruit and not a vegetable and still has many beneficial properties that make it one of the preferred foods, even if you are following a low-calorie diet.
Let’s see in particular what are its qualities for our well-being.
Health Benefits Of Tomatoes Decreases cholesterol levels
Eating tomatoes means lowering the levels of lipids in the blood that form the famous cholesterol plaques that are deposited on the walls of the arteries. The tomato does not contain any and is excellent for purifying the body.
Protects The Heart
Having normal cholesterol is already a good step towards the health of our cardiovascular system, but eating tomatoes, which are strict of biological origin, seems to lower the risk of incurring heart disease by almost 30%. If there are no contraindications or allergies, it is, therefore, good to include it more often in your diet, because it naturally also plays a preventive action against the diseases that cause more deaths in modern society.
An Important Source Of Vitamin C
One of the vitamins that tomatoes contain in considerable quantities is vitamin C. The WHO recommends a daily intake of 45 mg and in just 100 g of tomatoes, we can find 25 mg. Vitamin C has always been known because it helps strengthen our immune defenses, which is why it is recommended, for example, to combat seasonal ailments.
Eat Tomatoes And Lose Weight
Those who intend to lose weight and are following a low-calorie diet know that tomatoes are a fat-free vegetable. The tomato triggers the production of an amino acid in our body which is called “carnitine” and is used to use fats in energy consumption. It is from there that we draw the strength we need every day to play sports, walk or exercise. In this way, the fats are disposed of and do not accumulate on the abdomen, hips, thighs, etc.
It Is A Source Of Antioxidants
It could be argued that anyone who wants to stay young and healthy should eat tomatoes, along with other healthy foods of course.
In fact, tomatoes contain in particular lycopene, which is considered a powerful antioxidant that acts by significantly slowing down the degeneration of cells. Lycopene is found in the pulp, but especially in the skin of the tomato.
From this, it can be deduced that it removes all those pathologies linked to cellular aging: Alzheimer’s, and dementia, also acting on younger skin, with fewer wrinkles and more toned and elastic. The action of free radicals is therefore significantly reduced.
Prevent Osteoporosis
Among the diseases that can be prevented by eating tomatoes, there is also osteoporosis.
This pathology mainly affects women, but not all, after menopause causing demineralization of the osteoarticular system.
Also in this case it is the lycopene that acts against the appearance of this pathology and it would be appropriate to eat tomatoes from youth, to have a good supply and to prevent it. Lycopene is also found in watermelons, grapefruits, and persimmons.
Tomatoes Stimulate Diuresis
Tomatoes in addition to containing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, are very rich in water and that is why they are excellent for stimulating diuresis. This property is found above all by eating raw tomatoes, therefore in salads or in a classic Caprese, but without adding salt, which instead performs the opposite function (causes water retention). Like tomatoes, other fruits and vegetables also have the same benefits as cucumbers, watermelons, and melons.
Tomatoes Are Good For The Eyes
Among the many benefits that tomatoes have for our health, there is also that of protecting sight and eyes.
This property is due to the content of lutein and beta-carotene which counteract the degeneration of this very delicate part of the body. If you have vision problems, they are useful for repairing the damage caused by cellular degeneration. The same benefit can also be had by eating pumpkin, courgettes, broccoli, and aubergines.
They Help Digestion
Tomatoes like all vegetables contain fibers that help intestinal transit and also those suffering from constipation.
In tomatoes, especially in the peel, cellulose and hemicellulose are present and therefore are recommended for a lazy intestine. However, they are not recommended for those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux.
Tomatoes To Prevent Cancer
Cancer doctors recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables for cancer prevention. The tomato with lycopene is particularly indicated against that of the colon and prostate.
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