12 Reasons Why Tomatoes Are Healthy For You

Tomatoes, although scientifically classified as fruits, are commonly considered vegetables in culinary terms. Widely featured in global cuisines, especially in the Mediterranean region, they are a versatile ingredient adding both taste and health benefits to dishes. Incorporating tomatoes into your diet not only enhances flavor but also contributes significantly to your well-being.

Tomatoes are a key ingredient in various foods like pasta, pizzas, ketchup, and beverages. They are easily cultivated and grow rapidly, making them a staple food in many nations. Their health benefits are extensive, ranging from promoting eye health and good digestion to managing blood pressure and diabetes. Additionally, tomatoes can aid in skin care, prevent urinary tract infections, stimulate blood circulation, and reduce inflammation.

Rich in vitamins and minerals, tomatoes play a protective role against cardiovascular diseases. Their consumption supports kidney health, aids in detoxification, and helps maintain fluid balance. With their ability to reduce cholesterol levels and prevent premature aging, tomatoes stand as a valuable addition to any diet, offering both taste and numerous health advantages.

# Improved Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease can lead to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. It’s one of the most common diseases in the world and one of the most fatal. However, studies have shown that the high content of antioxidants in tomatoes can help to lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

It’s also been noted that tomatoes contain compounds which help to fight inflammation and oxidative stress whilst also creating a protective layer within blood vessels to reduce the risk of clotting.

# Improved Skin Health

Tomatoes are considered by many people to be beneficial for skin health. This is down to their high antioxidant content and other compounds they contain which help to reduce damage caused by the sun. In fact, one study found that after consuming forty grams of tomato paste with a little olive oil each day, people suffered forty percent fewer sunburns.

# Cancer Prevention

Studies have found that one of the health benefits of tomatoes is that they could help to lower your risk of cancer. So far, they seem to be effective against prostate, lung, breast, and stomach cancers. This is largely due to their high levels of antioxidants which help to protect your cells from damage and prevent them mutating and uncontrollably reproducing.

# Improved Eye Health

Tomatoes contain phytochemicals called carotenoids which are important in the maintenance of eye health. They help to protect your eyes against age-related degeneration of your vision and a number of other eye conditions. Therefore, adding plenty of tomatoes and tomato products to your diet could help maintain good vision for longer.

# Help Blood Clotting and Wound Healing

Tomatoes are a potent source of vitamin K which is crucial to the process of blood clotting and wound healing. 100g of tomatoes contains around 6mcg of vitamin K so you only need to consume a few each day to help improve blood clotting and healing processes.

# Reduce Menopausal Symptoms

A study in 2015 by the Nutrition Journal found that drinking tomato juice could reduce the severity of a number of menopausal symptoms including anxiety, resting heart rate and energy expenditure.

# Controls Blood Pressure

Tomatoes are low in sodium and help increase your intake of potassium, which is vital for widening your arteries and blood vessels. Both these factors mean that the fruits are ideal for maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

# Control Diabetes

People suffering from type 1 diabetes should follow a high-fiber diet in order to maintain lower blood sugar levels. A cup of cherry tomatoes provides two grams of fiber, so including these into your diet regularly could help to manage your diabetes.

# Relieve Constipation

Tomatoes are high in water and fiber content which means they help to keep you hydrated and help to support regular bowel movements. In fact, they’re often described as a laxative fruit. Fiber is crucial to bulking out your stools and so helps to reduce your levels of constipation.

# Healthy Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you need to consume a regular level of folate. This is because folate is essential to the prevention of neural tube defects in infants. You can take folate in the form of a folic acid supplement or by increasing your intake of foods like tomatoes, which are naturally high in folate.

# A Great Source of Vitamins

One of the great health benefits of tomatoes is that they are packed full of the vitamins your body needs to function correctly. In fact, a single tomato can provide forty percent of your daily recommended minimum of vitamin C. They’re also a great source of vitamin A which is needed to support your immune system, skin and eye health. Their high vitamin K levels mean that they’re also key to maintaining good bone health, heart function, blood pressure, and muscle contractions.

# Boost Digestive Health

Because tomatoes contain so much fluid and fiber, they may be useful for people suffering from a range of digestive issues and maintaining the health of your digestive tract. Be wary though, as their high levels of acidity could trigger heartburn and acid reflux if you’re prone to the condition.