15 Tomato Health Benefits & Side effects

Introduction

Here are the Tomato Health Benefits that you would be amaze to know. Antioxidants found in tomatoes are said to lower the risk of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and other diseases. It is difficult to find a kitchen without these edible berries because they are used so frequently in different cuisines.

Numerous locations around the world with temperate conditions cultivate a vast variety of tomatoes. Plum tomatoes, tomberries, cherry tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, and grape tomatoes are a few of the most well-liked varieties. They can be cultivated in a variety of colours, such as purple, white, brown, and orange, as well as red, yellow, black, and pink. Red is, of course, the most popular colour in the world.

Tomato Health Benefits

Reduce the Risk of Cancer

The fruit’s anticancer qualities may be due to the lycopene in tomatoes. The carotenoid family of antioxidants includes lycopene. Free radicals that are produced in our bodies for a variety of reasons can be neutralised by its strong antioxidant qualities. Even in vitro research demonstrates that tomato-derived compounds have stopped the growth of certain cancer cell types.

Improve Vision

One reason tomatoes are so good for your eyes is that they are high in vitamin A. Your eyes retinas depend on vitamin A, and chronically low levels of the vitamin can result in blindness. Vitamin C and copper are two more tomato elements that are good for the eyes. While the latter aids in the production of melanin, the vital black pigment in the eyes, the former may help prevent age-related cataracts.
It’s important to discuss lutein in tomatoes as well. It is a carotenoid-containing phytochemical that supports healthy vision.

Aid Weight Loss

Additionally, it can lower cholesterol levels, which may help prevent weight gain. Tomatoes are a fantastic source of antioxidants, as well as being high in fibre and low in calories. As a result, they encourage satiety and even lower calorie intake, aiding in weight loss.

Enhance Digestive Health

Tomatoes are a good source of chloride, a mineral that is necessary for the production of digestive juices. One study also discusses the effectiveness of tomato lycopene in preventing stomach cancer. Additionally encouraging intestinal health is the fibre in tomatoes, which provides 2 grammes of soluble and insoluble fibre per 100 grammes of tomatoes.
Consuming foods high in antioxidants, such as tomatoes, can also help you manage gastritis, a condition in which the lining of the stomach becomes irritated.

Regulates Blood pressure

Additionally, tomatoes are high in potassium, a mineral that is known to decrease blood pressure. This is due to potassium’s ability to counteract sodium’s effects. In fact, you lose more salt through urine the more potassium you take. In addition, potassium releases tension in blood vessel walls, which further lowers blood pressure.

The average adult should consume 4,700 milligrammes of potassium daily, according to the American Heart Association. But be cautious not to eat too much potassium as this could result in kidney stones. Lycopene is also known to improve the functioning of blood vessels in general, which can help reduce blood pressure.

Improves Heart Health and Lower Cholesterol

It’s lycopene that means for a few weeks, routinely consuming lycopene-rich tomatoes can reduce your LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) by as much as 10%. More specifically, you must consume at least 25 milligrams of lycopene daily. Beta-carotene, folate, and flavonoids are all abundant in tomatoes and are all good for cardiovascular health.

Strengthen Bones

Additionally essential for the creation of connective tissue and bone growth is the vitamin C found in tomatoes. Vitamin C deficiency might result in undeveloped bones. Additionally, postmenopausal individuals have shown a reduction in bone loss while taking the vitamin. Even the lutein found in tomatoes encourages the production of collagen, which improves bone health.

Vitamin K, along with vitamin D, is essential for the metabolism of bones and is abundant in tomatoes. Additionally, it raises bone mineral density, which lowers the risk of fractures.

Reduce Inflammation

Zeta-carotene, phytofluene, and phytoene are three additional antioxidants that are also present in tomatoes and are typically found together in brilliantly coloured fruits and vegetables. These antioxidants aid in the battle against inflammatory disorders like cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Consuming tomato juice is also advantageous for reducing inflammation.

Adding cherry tomatoes can also be beneficial (a serving has just 27 calories). They are abundant in anti-inflammatory flavonols. You may simply roast some whole cherry tomatoes with some crushed garlic. For a pleasant and nutritious snack.

Enhance Brain Power

The high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in your brain makes it particularly susceptible to harm from free radicals. Due to their high lycopene, beta-carotene, and antioxidant content, tomatoes can aid in preventing this. In fact, tomatoes may work better when combined with olive oil. This is because tomato carotenoids are easily absorbed by the blood when they are incorporated in fat (olive oil). Additionally, the lycopene in tomatoes protects against serious conditions including dementia and Alzheimer’s

Aid in Diabetes Management

Tomatoes are a crucial component of the diet for diabetics, according to the American Diabetes Association. This is due to the fact that they are abundant in iron and vitamins C and E, both of which reduce the symptoms of diabetes. Additionally, tomatoes have a low glycemic index, which is advantageous for diabetics because it indicates how quickly a food can raise blood sugar levels.

An Indian study found that giving people with diabetes mellitus tomatoes on a regular basis had positive results. Although more investigation is necessary in this area, the results are encouraging. A study found that type 2 diabetes patients’ blood pressure levels improved when they consumed 200 grammes of raw tomatoes each day.

Improves Skin And Hair Health

The majority of beauty treatments contain tomatoes as a key component. They support the treatment of acne, big pores, sunburn, and dull skin. Lycopene in particular is one of the antioxidants in tomatoes that fights cellular damage and skin irritation.

Additionally, tomatoes are a fantastic astringent and can enhance the texture of the skin. They keep your face looking fresher longer by removing extra oils from your skin. Simply combine the juices from fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. Implement the using a cotton ball on your face.

Tomatoes Are Safe to Eat While Pregnant

One of the nutrients that every pregnant woman needs to keep both her and her unborn child healthy is vitamin C. It promotes the growth of strong bones, teeth, and gums. Additionally, this vitamin helps the body properly absorb iron, another essential component during pregnancy. Even though it’s advised to take iron supplements when pregnant, eating tomatoes has some advantages.

Nutritional Value:

1 cup or 180 grams of tomato contain

NUTRIENT	VALUE	DRI/DV
Biotin		24%
Molybdenum		20%
Vitamin K	7.9 µg	16%
Potassium	237 mg	12%
Copper		12%
Manganese	0.15 mg	11%
Fiber		9%
Vitamin A	833 IU	8%
Vitamin B6		8%
Vitamin B3		7%
Folate	15 µg	7%
Phosphorus	24 mg	6%

Side effects of Tomato

Constipation

Due to their high fructose content, tomatoes might be problematic for those who have trouble absorbing sugar. It might cause constipation. Additionally, tomatoes (and tomato soup in particular) include salicylates, glutamates, and amines, which are all organic dietary compounds that may cause constipation.

Sodium Considerations

One cup of canned tomatoes has 564 mg of sodium, compared to 9 mg in one cup of fresh tomatoes, hence canned tomatoes can have a high salt content. Even while canned tomatoes are just as healthy as fresh ones, you should be aware of their salt content.

Tomato Leaf Intoxication

Unsafe are tomato leaves. They are known to be poisonous in big doses. According to some research, all plant parts—aside from the tomato—could cause stomach problems. According to anecdotal data, severe throat and mouth irritation, headaches, disorientation, and, in extreme cases, death are some further symptoms of tomato leaf poisoning.

Reflux of Acid

Acidity comes naturally to tomatoes. When consumed in excess, they can contribute to acid reflux. You should see a doctor if you consistently get heartburn, which could be more than twice a week for several weeks.

Tomato sensitivity

Stomach aches and flatulence might result from a tomato intolerance. However, the symptoms may differ from person to person.

Remember to eat only fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits that we get directly from mother earth. 

However, in order to avoid the fruit’s negative effects, it is always best to consume it in moderation. Nothing in excessive amounts is healthy for our health.

Conclusion:

Here we have discussed the 15 Tomato Health Benefits & Side effects , diet, properties, advantages and disadvantages. One should eat fruits and vegetables even in their busy schedule to stay fit and healthy. Remember to eat more vegetables and homemade foods and eat fewer junk foods and for tasty recipes .

You may also go through weight gain safely for more details to gain weight healthily.

References:

• Tomatoes, Other Foods Containing Lycopene May Protect Against Prostate Cancer, Study Finds, American Institute for Cancer Research.
  https://www.aicr.org/press/press-releases/2016/tomatoes-other-foods-containing-lycopene-may-protect-against-prostate-cancer-study-finds.html
• Tomato Lycopene and Lung Cancer Prevention: From Experimental to Human Studies, Cancers, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3757421/
• New evidence that a heart-healthy diet also helps fight prostate cancer, Harvard Medical School.
  https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/new-evidence-that-a-heart-healthy-diet-also-helps-fight-prostate-cancer

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