Tomato, one of the most well-known members of the eggplant family; is a very useful food containing calcium, potassium, iron and phosphorus minerals, as well as vitamins A,B and C. Apart from all this, tomatoes have a compound called lycopene. In fact, any red vegetable or fruit has lycopene. But a medium-sized tomato contains about 2-3 grams of lycopene. Since tomatoes are quite rich in lycopene, they have many health benefits. Here are 7 reasons why you should not miss this vegetable from your tables…
1. Helps to maintain heart health
Lycopene is a powerful source of antioxidants that help protect our cells. Some research shows that people who consume lycopene have a lower risk of developing diseases such as heart and diabetes. This substance also plays an important role in lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels.
2. Supports eye health
Tomatoes contain lycopene as well as a few other nutrients that support eye health, such as lutein and beta-carotene. Research shows that these substances protect the eyes from diseases such as cataracts. Tomatoes may also play a role in reducing mild headaches caused by eye strain.
3. It can strengthen your immune system
We mentioned above that lycopene is an important source of antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce free radical molecules that weaken the immune system by damaging cells. Therefore, foods rich in lycopene may reduce the risk of lung, prostate and stomach cancer.
4. It can improve your mood
Most healthy foods, such as tomatoes, are rich in minerals such as copper, zinc and manganese. So this vegetable, in addition to its other health benefits, can positively affect brain function and mood. So when you feel sad or tired, remember to add tomatoes to your plate.
5. It can correct lung damage
The antioxidant properties of lycopene can protect the body against respiratory problems by keeping free radical levels under control. Tomatoes also contain beta-carotene, which is known to improve lung function. Moreover, these substances can slow down lung aging. Some research even suggests that tomatoes can correct lung damage caused by smoking.
6. Supports hair health
Some studies claim that consuming 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes a day makes the hair look healthier. This versatile vegetable is quite rich in vitamin A, which makes the hair look strong and shiny. For this reason, it can make your hair look healthier and voluminous.
7. It can strengthen your bones
Scientific studies show that tomatoes can strengthen bones. The vitamin K and calcium in tomatoes help repair bone tissue while strengthening bones.
