Beautiful skin, strong bones: 5 reasons to eat more tomatoes
Are you someone who likes to add tomatoes to all curries? Well, you must thank the Spanish for introducing tomatoes to the world. These fruits, mostly used as vegetables, are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Besides their umami flavor, and versatile nature, tomatoes have a lot of health benefits both in cooked and in raw form. Here are a few.
Here is what our expert says
Botanically a fruit but nutritionally a vegetable--tomatoes are versatile like that. They are a great source of nutrients such as vitamins A & C, potassium & folic acid. They are also rich in phytochemicals such as carotenoids, which includes lycopene, beta carotene, lutein and phytotene and flavonoids. These are good sources of vitamins and minerals for improving cardio-respiratory health and for preventing night blindness.
Good for skin
Tomatoes have lycopene that protects them from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Hence, eating tomatoes can protect your cells from the same damage. Including tomatoes in your everyday diet can help you battle the wear and tear of your skin. Applying tomato directly on your skin can help prevent acne, tighten pores, treat sunburn, and reduce signs of aging.
Good for bones
Tomatoes are rich in calcium and vitamin K, so including them in your diet will keep your bones strong. Vitamin K and calcium also help with minor repairs on bones and bone tissue. Lycopene, heavily present in tomatoes, is also a bone-protective antioxidant. People who consume more tomatoes, in any form, are known to experience a lower fracture rate than those who consume less.
Helps in digestion
Tomatoes are believed to improve the digestive system and the liver as they are rich in fiber which helps counter constipation. They are also known to prevent jaundice and remove toxins from the body. Research suggests that tomatoes have probiotic properties, which means that they can boost the activity of good bacteria in the gut, thereby improving your gut health.
Aids in weight loss
Tomatoes are great for those who are on a diet. They encourage the manufacture of an amino acid called carnitine, which is known to boost the body's fat-burning ability. The soluble fiber in tomatoes also helps reduce your calorie intake by helping you feel full for a longer time. This automatically reduces your cravings and helps in your weight-loss journey.
Strengthens immunity
The antioxidant lycopene fights free radicals which are molecules that damage your cells affecting your immune system. The consumption of lycopene-rich foods may make you less prone to cancers. Some research shows that they might even help prevent the disease. The vitamin C present in tomatoes controls the surge of stress hormones and keeps your body energized and well.
