All You Need to Know About Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants linked to many health benefits. Here are a few benefits of tomatoes. Tomatoes have been proven to prevent cancer cells from multiplying. Tomato extract can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a pigment that gives them their red color. Lycopene is known to help protect the body from free radicals, which cause damage to DNA and contribute to many cancers. A diet high in fruits and vegetables lowers blood pressure. A cup of cooked tomatoes contains about 1 gram of fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Fiber also reduces bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol. Eating tomatoes may also help lower blood pressure by keeping sodium out of the body. Sodium causes water retention, which increases blood pressure.
Tomatoes are packed with vitamin K, which helps build strong bones. Vitamin K works by helping the body use calcium. When calcium builds up in the arteries, it narrows the blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Vitamin K also helps the body absorb calcium. Heart health. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants called flavonoids. Flavonoids help fight free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to cancer. Antioxidants also help keep the heart healthy by protecting the lining of the artery wall. The antioxidant content in tomatoes supports the immune system. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful substances in the body and promote healing after infections.
Tomatoes are loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, which keep the eyes healthy. Lutein is a carotenoid that protects the retina from degeneration. Zeaxanthin protects the eye from blue lights made by smartphones or computers. They also help prevent eye strain and relieve headaches from eye strain. In addition, tomatoes are beneficial for people with asthma and may help prevent emphysema, which slowly destroys the air sacs in the lungs. Tomatoes contain lycopene, and lutein, among other antioxidants, to fight harmful substances in smoke, which are the main causes of emphysema.