The health benefits of eating tomatoes will be discussed in this article. The nightshade family of fruits includes tomatoes, which are a South American native. Other well-known vegetables in the family include potatoes, eggplant, and chilli peppers. The scientific name for it is Lycopersicon esculentum. This unusual vegetable is cultivated all year round and is always accessible for consumption. Despite being a fruit according to botany, it is frequently eaten and prepared as a vegetable. Lycopene, an antioxidant linked to a number of health benefits, including a decreased risk of heart disease and cancer, is mostly found in tomatoes. They also contain large amounts of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.
The Aztecs were the first people to cultivate tomatoes, centuries before the Spanish did. Depending on the requirement, people cultivate and grow them in various ways.
Health Benefits Of Eating Tomatoes
*Prevents Cancer
Free radicals are extremely reactive chemicals that contribute to the development of cancer. Since they are unstable, they are always trying to link with other atoms or molecules. It thus causes oxidative stress, which severely harms the cells. Additionally, free radicals obliterate all of the vital components of cells, including DNA, proteins, and cell membranes.
Antioxidants counteract the effects of oxidative stress and stop free radical formation. Additionally, they give free radicals their atoms in order to stabilize and reduce their reactivity.
*Blood Pressure Management
Maintaining a low salt intake can lower blood pressure. Consuming potassium also aids in lowering blood pressure. Because tomatoes are high in potassium, they support a normal blood pressure level. By making it easier for additional sodium to be excreted through the kidneys, a high potassium intake reduces the amount of sodium in the body. Due to its actions on the arteries that enlarge them, potassium may be important. Additionally, it releases the blood vessel walls’ heightened and built-up stress. It thus lowers blood pressure even further.
*Reduces Risk Of Heart Disease
Fibre, potassium, vitamin C, and choline are all abundant in tomatoes. These are all advantageous to heart health.
Raising potassium intake and lowering salt intake are crucial dietary changes to make in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In artery-based smooth muscle cells, potassium suppresses calcium buildup. Vascular calcification is the name given to this condition.
Vascular calcification hurts the heart because it hardens the arteries and reduces blood flow even further.
*Diabetes Management
Studies suggest that eating a high-fibre diet may lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 1 diabetes. Additionally, those who have type 2 diabetes may notice improved insulin, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
About 2 grams of fiber are present in a cup of cherry tomatoes. Additionally, they are a low GI food and a fantastic option for diabetes because they have a GI of less than 15. Foods with a GI score of less than 55 should be consumed by diabetics. Additionally, they have few calories, which aids in maintaining a healthy weight.
A study found that persons with type 2 diabetes who consume 200 grams of raw tomato daily (the equivalent of 1.5 medium tomatoes) have reduced blood pressure.
*Prevents Constipation
Fruits like tomatoes are diuretic. Meals high in water and fiber, such those with tomatoes, may help with hydration and encourage regular bowel movements. It’s because insoluble fibers don’t dissolve in water. As a result, they do not disintegrate food particles, which allows the body to expel them by increasing the stool’s volume. They contribute around 10% of the recommended daily fiber intake, enhancing digestion and bowel movements.
