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Tomato is a ubiquitous vegetable available in every part of the world. This versatile food goes well with any type of cuisine be it Easter, European or Mediterranean. It adds flavor to any dish and color to salads. It not only tastes good but also delivery health benefits. Tomato is touted as “functional food” as it is exceptionally nutritious and provides protection against many diseases. You will amaze to know the health benefits of a daily vegetable that is so commonly used in cooking. However, most of the health benefits are related to raw tomatoes rather then cooked ones. This is because essential vitamins and nutrients get damaged after cooking due to heat.
Read On To Know More About Health Benefits Of Tomatoes:
Good For Skin
Tomato contains lycopene that protects the skin from UV-light damage which causes fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains Beta-carotene that also shields the skin from sun damage. You can use raw tomatoes as beauty remedies. Apply tomato pulp directly to the skin for fresh, clean and glowing skin in no time.
Prevent Cancer
Tomato protects our body from different types of cancer. It provides protection against prostate, colorectal and stomach cancer. Tomato contains high level of lycopene which acts as antioxidant and block the growth of cancerous cells.
Strengthen Bones
We all know that drinking milk makes bone strong and healthy. But very few people know that eating tomatoes also help to strengthen bones. It is amazing to know that tomato contains good amount of calcium and vitamin K which are essential for repairing bones and bone tissues.
Provides Antioxidants
Along with beta-carotene, tomato is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C which work as an antioxidant and neutralize the harmful effect of free radicals in the blood. It is important to note that red tomatoes contain more beta-carotene. So, next time when you buy tomatoes, carefully select red tomatoes only. Also, try to eat raw tomatoes as cooking destroy vitamins.
Protect Heart
Being rich in vitamin B and potassium, tomatoes effectively lowers cholesterol. Eating tomatoes regularly ensures low blood cholesterol and protect heart ailments.
Makes Hair Healthy
Tomato contains vitamin A which keeps the hair healthy and strong. It is also good for skin, bones and teeth. Include tomatoes in diet to help your hair grow stronger and healthier.
Improve Vision
Presence of vitamin A in tomato does wonder for eyes. Vitamin A helps to improve vision and also prevent night blindness. Therefore, eat tomatoes for healthy eyes forever.
Maintain Blood Pressure
Potassium is essential for maintaining blood pressure due its vasodilatation effects. Therefore, it is necessary to lower the sodium level and increase potassium level in the blood. Tomato is rich in potassium and hence eating tomatoes controls blood pressure.
Control Constipation
It is surprising to know that tomatoes can control constipation. Tomatoes contain high amount of water and fibre that hydrate the body and ease bowel movement. Fibre effectively cures constipation by adding bulk to the stool.
Prevent Diabetes
High fibre foods like tomatoes keep diabetes at bay. High fibre diet help to lower blood sugar level and further improves lipids and insulin levels. Eat tomatoes and stay away from diabetes.
Help In Pregnancy
Folic acid is required for conceiving and development of foetus. It prevents neural tube defect in infant. Tomatoes contain folic acid and therefore it is good for pregnant women or those who are planning to conceive. Include tomatoes in your diet as salad for a healthy baby if you are expecting.
Beat Depression
In today’s’ first-paced world, depression has become a common ailment. Treating depression is very important before it takes the shape of chronic disease. It is interesting to note that tomato can also help to beat depression. Folic acid present in tomatoes prevents the development of homocysteine in the body that block blood and nutrient to travel the brain. Moreover, homocysteine hinders with the production of feel-good hormone like serotonin and dopamine that regulate mood, sleep and appetite.
Prevent Kidney Stones
Eating tomatoes reduces the risk of kidney stones. But make sure you eat tomatoes after removing seeds. Most people believe that eating tomatoes cause kidney stone. Actually, is it advised not to eat tomatoes with seeds. Seedless tomatoes are safe for kidney stone patient.
Protect From Damaging Effect Of Smoking
Cigarettes contain tobacco and smoking expels smoke that is injurious to health. Tobacco smoke is also cancerous as it stimulates production of free radicals in the body. Tomatoes being rich in antioxidants fight against free radicals and protect the body from damaging effect of smoking.
