The tomato in Indian food is used in most preparations and is often advised to eat almost daily. Rich in antioxidants and has anti-carcinogenic properties, the consumption of tomatoes is known to help the human body in various forms. Tomatoes not only add flavor to your food but also benefits your health due to the presence of essential nutrients. Good thing is that this healthy vegetable is also loved by kids.
Let’s check out tomato health benefits and why should you eat tomatoes daily –
Tomato Nutrition Facts and Nutritional Value
The water content in tomatoes is about 94.5 g per 100 g of serving (Source). Other nutrients in raw tomatoes per 100g serving are as follows –
Calcium – 10 mg
Magnesium – 11 mg
Protein – 8.8 g
Carbohydrates – 3.89 g
Fiber – 1.2 g
Sodium – 5 mg
Potassium – 237 mg
Phosphorus – 24 mg
Vitamin C – 13.7 mg
Vitamin A – 42 µg
Vitamin K – 7.9 µg
Vitamin E – 0.54 mg
Folate – 15 µg
Tomatoes are good For Maintaining Blood Health
Potassium in the body helps to maintain normal levels of fluid inside our cells and even it helps to support normal blood pressure. And in tomatoes potassium is about 237 mg.
Besides, tomatoes are a rich source of Iron and Folate that helps in blood circulation. Vitamin K is known to prevent blood clotting.
Tomato Health Benefits: Tomatoes Can Bring Down Your Cholesterol Level
Consumption of tomatoes is good for your heart due to the presence of fiber, choline, and potassium. Lycopene (2570 µg) also helps lower your levels of bad cholesterol as well as your blood pressure and may lower the risk of heart disease. Interestingly, Potassium can help lower blood pressure by taking some of the sodium out of your body and relaxing blood vessels.
Also Read: Why Should You Eat Radish? Know the Health Benefits of Eating Radish
Tomatoes are Good for Your Eyes
The zeaxanthin and lutein in tomatoes are said to protect your eyes from the unwanted light coming out from your digital devices like computers and smartphones. They also protect your eyes from eye strain, feeling tired, or headaches.
Tomato is also Good for your Skin
Tomatoes are full of antioxidants, therefore eating tomatoes may help in reducing the amount of cell-damaging free radicals in the body and will give you youthful skin. The presence of vitamin C in tomatoes helps keep the skin clear. The presence of antioxidant lycopene (2570 ug) in tomatoes helps protect the skin from the harsh effects of ultraviolet rays.
Tomato and Cancer: The Lycopene Role
Cancer cells are known to grow uncontrollably and then spread to various other parts of the body. Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Phytoene, Phytofluene, and other antioxidants such as lycopene. Lycopene may help prevent stomach cancer and prostate lung cancer. The beta-carotenoids in tomatoes may protect against breast cancer (Source).
Tomato for Constipation and Healthy Bowel Movement
Tomatoes contain fiber which adds bulk to the stool and thereby ensures its smooth movement through the digestive tract. This prevents constipation and other complications.
The fiber content helps to release gastric and digestive juices and even helps to stimulate the peristaltic motion in the smooth digestive muscles. This regulates bowel movements.
Health Benefits of Tomato: It prevents urinary tract infections
Tomatoes have diuretic properties that facilitate the formation of urine in our body – helping you to eliminate excess salts, water as well as uric acid, and toxic substances. This reduces the incidence of ailments like urinary tract infections and bladder cancer.
These are some of the tomato health benefits. Want to know more about such healthy vegetables, fruits, seeds, and herbs along with their nutrition. Explore all our sections – Healthy Vegetables, Healthy Fruits, Healthy Seeds, and Healthy Herbs.
