Tomatoes, seven reasons to add them to every meal

2023-07-02 18:00:00, Shëndeti CNA

They are an excellent source of vitamins

A single tomato provides about 40% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. In addition to this valuable vitamin, tomatoes are also high in vitamin A, which supports immunity, vision and skin health, and vitamin K, which contributes in bone health. At the same time, they contain potassium, an essential nutrient for heart function, muscle contractions, maintaining blood pressure at healthy levels and fluid balance.

They protect cardiovascular health

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that gives them their red color. Scientists consider lycopene to be the most important component of the tomato, which is released in greater quantities when tomatoes are cooked. Studies have shown that high blood levels of lycopene are associated with a reduced risk of death in people with metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of other conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

They protect vision

However, lycopene is not only good for cardiovascular health, but also for eye health. In fact, eyesight benefits greatly from eating tomatoes, which also contain lutein and beta-carotene, components that have been associated with vision support and protection against various eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Strengthen the health of the digestive system

The juice and fiber in tomatoes can be beneficial for those suffering from constipation. However, you should be careful with its consumption, as the acidity of cooked tomatoes can cause or worsen acid reflux and indigestion.

It is an "ally" of patients with diabetes

Tomatoes may act protectively for people with type 2 diabetes. One study found that diabetics who consumed cooked tomatoes for 30 consecutive days experienced a reduction in lipid peroxidation, a chain reaction in which free radicals attack fat, leading to damage that increases the risk of heart disease.

They make the skin healthier and brighter

Available research has shown that the combination of tomato and olive oil provides protection against the harmful effects of solar radiation, while also increasing the production of pro-collagen, a structural component of the skin.

They have an anticancer effect

Various observational studies have identified a correlation between the tomato and a reduction in the risk of prostate, as well as ovarian, lung and stomach cancer, thanks again to its protagonist element, lycopene./ CNA