Tomato is known as a «king of Mediterranean cuisine» and has been used for centuries. According to old books, this plant was growing wildly in creeping vines in the hills of Peru. It is also known that in 16th century tomato was widely used in Spain and it was brought to Central America by Spanish merchants. Tomato was first delivered to Europe in 1523 and immediately became popular in European cuisine.
Red color of tomato is crucial for our health – tomato has high quantity of phytochemical called “lycopene” which is responsible for ruby red color of tomatoes. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant – it inhibits free radicals (most destructive substances of our body). Lycopene binds to free radicals and prevents them from creating cell damage that can result in serious diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Tomato is a good source of vitamins A, C and folic acid; it contains also important antioxidants (alpha-lipoic acid, lycopene, choline, beta-carotene and lutein) which can prevent several diseases. Tomato’s antioxidant properties are very important because antioxidants can neutralize harmful free radicals in the blood. Free radicals in the blood stream are dangerous because it may lead to cell damage.
Tomato health benefits are well known.
Tomato health benefits – cancer
Tomato can prevent several types of cancer. Scientists noted that tomato’s antioxidant lycopene is effective against prostate cancer, stomach cancer, rectum cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer and mouth cancer. Actually tomatoes antioxidants seek and neutralize cancer-causing free radicals. Lycopene is a natural antioxidant that works effectively to slow the growth of cancerous cells. It was noted that cooked tomatoes produce even more lycopene.
According to the American Cancer Society, some studies have shown that people who have diets rich in tomatoes may have a lower risk of certain types of cancer, especially cancers of the prostate, lung and stomach.
It has been shown that increased consumption of tomatoes and tomato-based products can decrease the risk of a variety of cancers.
Tomato can reduce breast cancer risks thanks to high amounts of carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene and total carotenoids). According to some studies, regular use of tomatoes can also decrease risks for prostate cancer.
Tomato health benefits – cardio-vascular system
Tomato health benefits
Tomato’ strongest health benefit is its ability to reduce the risk of heart disease. Tomato can reduce blood cholesterol levels and protect the heart. It is well known that lycopene protects the body against cardiovascular diseases by preventing serum lipid oxidation. It was noted that regular consumption of tomatoes can decrease the levels of LDL (so called “bad cholesterol”) levels and triglycerides in the blood. Lycopene concentrations in the blood have been found to be protective in the early stages of narrowing of the arteries.
Thanks to vitamin B and potassium in tomatoes, they are pretty effective in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. Regular consumption of tomatoes you can effectively prevent heart attacks, strokes and other life threatened heart related problems.
Tomato health benefits – smoking
It is well known that cigarette carcinogens can be responsible for several diseases including cancer. Some studies discovered that primary carcinogens found in cigarettes (so called “nitrosamines”) can be neutralized by few tomato properties – coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid. Actually tomato can counteract some effects of cigarette smoke and repair damage caused by smoking.
Tomato health benefits – vision
Tomato can improve your vision – tomato is loaded with vitamin A, which prevents night blindness and macular degeneration. Vitamin A found in tomatoes is fantastic for improving your vision.
Tomato health benefits – digestion
Tomato is one of several foods which can help improve digestive health. Tomato is a good source of fiber and water which can reduce constipation. Tomato fiber can also stimulate the release of stomach juice and smooth muscle movement – both insuring regular bowel actions.
Tomato health benefits – diabetes
According to scientists, regular daily consumption of tomato can reduce the oxidative stress of type 2 diabetes as well as control blood sugar levels. Actually it is tomato property “chromium” helping diabetics keep their blood sugar levels under better control.
Several studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. Alpha-lipoic acid supports body in converting glucose into energy. At the same time, alpha-lipoic acid can aid in blood glucose control – improve vasodilatation and protect against retinopathy in diabetic patients and may even help preserve brain and nerve tissue.
Tomato health benefits – stones
According to ancient medicine, tomatoes can reduce the risk of kidney stones and prevent gallstones. Regular daily consumption of tomatoes can dissolve kidney stones and gallstones.
Tomato health benefits – skin
Some tomato properties (vitamin C, antioxydants) can fight acne and prevent skin cells’ damage. Tomato is also effective in repairing skin damages caused by the sun, pollution and smoke – smoothing wrinkles and improving overall skin texture.
Tomato health benefits – depression
The folic acid in tomatoes may also help during depression by preventing an excess of homocysteine from forming in the body, which can prevent blood and other nutrients from reaching the brain. Scientific studies demonstrated that tomatoes can indirectly stimulate the production of so called “happy hormones” (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) which regulate mood, good sleep and appetite.
Tomato health benefits – pregnancy
Most antenatal care clinics recommend folic acid which is essential for pregnant women to protect against neural tube defects in infants. As tomato is a good source of folic acid, many doctors recommend consuming tomato regularly during whole pregnancy.
Tomato health benefits – bones
Tomato can help maintain strong bones and keep bones healthy – this function is based on considerable amount of calcium and Vitamin K in tomatoes. Both nutrients are essential in strengthening and performing minor repairs on the bones as well as the bone tissue.
Tomato health benefits – hair
Tomato can be beneficial for hairs – vitamin A in tomatoes works perfectly for keeping hair shiny and strong.
Tomato health benefits – weight control
Tomato is one of vegetables which are recommended for weight control because it can increase fat burning – actually tomato supports production of amino acid carnitine, which helps speed the body’s fat-burning capacity by more than 30 percent.
