Do tomatoes promote good health?

The tomato is a vegetable that has many beneficial components and can also be used as a fruit. Tomatoes' vibrant red pigment, lycopene, is an antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and aids in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Lycopene is abundant in cooked tomatoes because they more readily release the antioxidant into your system. But because canned tomatoes contain a lot of sodium, it is advisable to stay away from them.

Astaxene

Lycopene, which can protect the prostate, reduce oxidative damage, improve heart health, and even lower cholesterol, is abundant in tomatoes and sun-dried tomato products. As an oil-soluble antioxidant, lycopene is best absorbed when eaten with fat, like coconut or olive oils. According to an intriguing study, lycopene supplementation and eating meals high in lycopene decreased sputum neutrophil elastase activity and airway neutrophil infiltration in asthmatic patients. Nevertheless, certain epidemiological studies imply that lycopene alone has health impacts, which is not totally obvious. These effects may also be attributed to other components found in tomatoes, such as provitamin A, glycoalkaloids, and flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, and naringenin). Furthermore, it is unclear if lycopene or other ingredients in tomatoes and their products are responsible for the apparent drops in disease risk observed in epidemiological and short-term prospective studies (Giovannucci 2005). However, there is undoubtedly a need for greater study on lycopene and its health advantages.

C vitamin

Vitamin C is abundant in tomatoes and the tomato-based meals they appear in, like tomato paste and sauce. They also include potassium and folate. Furthermore, tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene may help prevent heart disease and cancer, according to studies. Lycopene, which is found in tomatoes, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. Prostate cancer has been found to be prevented by it (7). Eat tomatoes in a number of ways to reap their nutritional benefits. Incorporate fresh tomatoes into cooked recipes such as soup, spaghetti, chili, and tacos, or try them on salads, sandwiches, and avocado toast. Tomato juice, salsa, and stewed tomatoes are other foods that can provide lycopene. A crucial nutrient during pregnancy is folic acid. Included in every pregnant woman's diet, tomatoes are a great natural source of this nutrient.

Calcium

Additionally, tomatoes are a good source of potassium, which is necessary for maintaining blood pressure balance and heart health. They also include a healthy quantity of fiber, which supports the health of the digestive system. Lycopene, which is found in tomatoes, scavenges dangerous free radicals from the body and shields skin from the sun's rays. They also function as a natural anti-inflammatory. Tomatoes contain vitamins K and C, which are crucial for strong bones and lowering the risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, tomatoes contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which shield the eyes from blue light—which comes from computers and phones—which can lead to headaches, eye tiredness, and dryness. They might also aid in the prevention of respiratory disorders like emphysema. However, if you take medications that impact how your body handles potassium or have weak renal function, eating too many tomatoes might be dangerous.

Folic acid

Folate, a B vitamin found in tomatoes, lowers triglycerides and LDL cholesterol to help prevent heart disease. They also include lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help reduce your risk of age-related macular degeneration and shield your eyes from blue light emitted by digital gadgets like smartphones. A medium tomato has 290 mg of potassium, which is a crucial mineral for controlling blood pressure and preserving renal function, according to Kalsi. They also include a good amount of soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids in better digestion and lessens constipation. Vitamin C, an antioxidant that counteracts free radicals and shields the body from oxidative stress, is abundant in tomatoes. Because it has been shown to reduce the risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular problems among smokers, it can also be advantageous to them.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K, which is present in tomatoes, guarantees appropriate blood clotting. It also helps to prevent osteoporosis and maintain healthy bones. Additionally, it helps avoid night blindness and enhances vision. Chromium and potassium, which lower blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease, are found in tomatoes. Collard greens, spinach, and kale are excellent providers of vitamin K. The main dietary source of vitamin K that they possess is phylloquinone. Menaquinones, another form of vitamin K, are present in fermented and animal-based foods, such as some varieties of cheese and butter. Additionally, intestinal bacteria create them. The body produces the proteins required for blood coagulation using both menaquinones and phylloquinones