Tomatoes are a nutritious food that can provide several health benefits. They are low in calories and rich in important nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. Tomatoes are also loaded with a substance called lycopene, which is an antioxidant that fights molecules called free radicals that can damage your cells and affect your immune system. Here are some of the potential health benefits of tomatoes:
-
Reduced risk of heart disease: Tomatoes may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
-
Cancer prevention: Some studies suggest that people who eat more tomatoes have a lower risk of lung, prostate, stomach, pancreas, colon, throat, mouth, breast, and cervix cancer.
-
Protection against sunburns: Tomatoes may protect against sunburns due to their high lycopene content.
-
Improved fertility: A study found that men who drank tomato juice had improved sperm motility, which is a sign of better fertility.
-
Asthma prevention: Tomatoes may be helpful for people who have asthma.
-
Skin protection: Tomatoes can help protect your skin from damage due to their high lycopene content.
Tomatoes are a versatile food that can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of dishes. They can be added to salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes, or used to make sauces and soups.