3 Surprising Health Benefits of Tomatoes

 

When people think of tomatoes they may think of flavorful foods such as pizza, pasta, or salsa. The addition of tomatoes to these dishes adds a unique texture and flavor that many have fallen in love with. Not only are they a tasty, and versatile ingredient, but they are also surprisingly healthy. This is because of their rich profile of vitamins that support natural bodily functions.

Tomatoes can support weight loss

Tomatoes can help support weight loss because they are low in calories as well as fat. Also, unlike most fruits, tomatoes have a relatively low amount of sugar. In fact, one 3.5 ounce serving of raw tomato contains as little as 18 calories, 0 grams of fat and only 3 grams of sugar (What Are Tomatoes Good For?, 2018). Tomatoes are a unique fruit that can prepared in many ways to add different textures and flavors to your plate. This versatility keeps things fresh and interesting while trying to enjoy a healthier diet.

More on tomatoes for weigh loss here.

Tomatoes Have Anticancer properties

The red juicy fruit contains important natural antioxidant vitamins that help protect against certain types of cancer caused by oxidative stress. Antioxidants serve a significant role in the human body when it comes to oxidation. They help inhibit the damage to our cells caused by oxidation, a process in which our cells metabolize oxygen, and produce harmful molecules known as free radicals (Doni, 2014). Free radicals are a byproduct of the metabolic process and are a main cause of cell oxidation (Ware, 2015).

Because tomatoes contain natural antioxidants and key micronutrients, eating them regularly can decreases the likelihood of developing certain types of cancers.

More on tomatoes and their anticancer properties from WebMD.

Tomatoes Also Support Heart Health

The heart is the most important organ in the human body, so it is essential for us to do everything possible to keep it functioning properly. Tomatoes have been shown to have a shielding effect on your blood platelets and endothelial cells, which are cells that line the interior of blood vessels (Bjarnadottir, 2015). Ultimately, the consumption of tomatoes may decrease the risk blood clotting in arteries.

Read the full medical study here.

Over time, the tomato has become a staple ingredient in many dishes around the world. Is it for their ability to compliment nearly any dish, or because their holistic properties help support a healthy diet, and properly functioning organs. Perhaps it is for all these reasons that the tomato has been used throughout the world. Tomatoes have many more health benefits not included here that I encourage you to discover for yourself.

 

 

References

Doni, D. (2014, 10 2). 5 SIGNS OF OXIDATIVE STRESS AND 7 WAYS YOU CAN STOP IT. Retrieved from doctordoni.com: https://doctordoni.com/2014/10/5-signs-of-oxidative-stress/

Ware, M. (2015, November 11). Antioxidants: Health Benefits and Nutritional Information. Retrieved from Medical News Today : https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/301506.php

What Are Tomatoes Good For? (2018, April 3). Retrieved from Food Facts: https://foodfacts.mercola.com/tomatoes.html

 

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