The tomato or tomato is a herbaceous plant grown for its succulent fruits, also called tomatoes. Many people still argue about whether tomatoes are berries, fruits, or vegetables. But whatever they are, most people love them and often use them in all kinds of dishes.
But tomatoes are not only luscious but also healthy. Here are five properties of tomatoes that are worth eating more often, especially in summer.
5 health benefits of eating tomatoes
1. Keeps your heart health
Tomatoes are rich in a substance called lycopene, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases: heart attack, coronary heart disease, stroke, etc. Tomatoes also contain vitamin C and potassium, which are very important for the heart and blood vessels.
2. Reduce the risk of developing cancer
The antioxidant properties of lycopene have a positive effect on the heart and many other organs, protecting them from free radicals that can lead to the development of cancer.
Lycopene is non-toxic, but excessive use can turn the skin and liver orange. There is no particular harm to health from this, but for some time, the appearance of a person who has gone too far with eating tomatoes leaves much to be desired. Lycopene is also found in another food that is often eaten in summer in watermelon.
3. Improves vision
Tomatoes are also rich in beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin – nutrients that are very important for our eye health. They improve vision and help prevent the development of various eye diseases such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eye of diabetic origin).
4. Reduce pressure
Thanks to the content of chlorogenic acid and potassium, which relaxes the smooth muscles of the walls of blood vessels, tomatoes help to lower blood pressure even in those who have suffered from hypertension for many years.
So if you have blood pressure problems, add tomatoes and other potassium-rich foods like bananas, dried apricots, sweet potatoes, lentils, etc., to your diet more often.
5. Improves Digestion
Tomatoes contain a large amount of fiber and water, and this combination is excellent for improving digestion and intestinal motility.
In addition, dietary fiber helps reduce appetite and keep you feeling full, and feeds beneficial bacteria that affect our immunity and our brain health.
