Health Benefits of Tomatoes
When it comes to health benefits, tomatoes are probably most well known for their abundance of heart-healthy lycopene. Indeed, tomatoes contain the highest known amount of lycopene out of any other food, but they offer a wealth of other nutritive properties in addition to this coronary-loving compound. Tomatoes are also rich with beta-carotene, potassium, vitamin C, flavonoids, folate and vitamin E. (Source) From anti-carcinogenic activity, to anti-fungal properties, to weight loss, tomatoes are rich with health benefits any way you slice them. Here are the health benefits of tomatoes.
Tomatoes for Antioxidants
Lycopene has been found by much research to be abuzz with antioxidant activity, which has been associated with many health benefits. One study analyzed the antioxidative effects of tomato paste on rats who were experiencing oxidative stress. The tomato paste treatment was found to suppress oxidative stress, to reduce DNA damage and to protect antioxidant enzymes. (Source)
Tomatoes for Heart Health
Much research has found lycopene, a compound found in high abundance in tomatoes, to be a champion of heart health due to its antioxidant activity. In one study, healthy adults who consumed tomato supplements in the form of juice, sauce and caplets experienced a significant lowering of LDL levels compared to the control group. Another study that evaluated myocardial protective effects of diet on subjects from 10 different European countries found only lycopene levels to exhibit protective effects on the heart. (Source) Another study analyzed the protective effects of tomato products on post-prandial oxidation and inflammation, and the implications for overall heart protection on healthy men and women. The study found tomato consumption with meals to attenuate post-prandial LDL oxidation and associated inflammation, processes associated with vascular injury. Thus, the findings imply a potential role of tomatoes in reducing risk of heart disease. (Source)
Tomatoes for Cancer Prevention
Due to their high lycopene content, tomatoes offer cancer-fighting potential. One study in China found an increased intake of fruits and vegetables high in lycopene to significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer. (Source) In another study, rats were given tomato powder or lycopene, and it was found that the tomato powder, not the lycopene treatment, inhibited prostate carcinogenesis, which suggests that other compounds in tomatoes may be responsible for anti-cancer effects. (Source)
Tomatoes for Metabolic Health
One of the health benefits of tomatoes is metabolic health. Tomatoes have been associated with weight management due to their content of lycopene, which has been found to have protective effects against metabolic disease. One study examined the metabolic effects of tomato juice consumption on females between the ages of 20 and 30, each with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 20. The tomato juice supplementation was found to significantly reduce waist circumference, serum cholesterol and inflammatory adipokine levels in the subjects. (Source)
Tomatoes for Gastrointestinal Health
Tomatoes can also be beneficial for gastrointestinal health due to their lycopene content. One study analyzed the effects of lycopene on rats with gastric ulcers, and found lycopene treatment to significantly reduce the incidence of gastric ulcers in comparison to other treatment mechanisms, due to its antioxidant activity. (Source)
Now you’ve learned the health benefits of tomatoes!
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
Tomato, 1 cup (180g), chopped
Calories: 32
Total Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 7g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 30% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 38%
Vitamin E: 5%
Vitamin K: 18%
Thiamin: 4%
Niacin: 5%
Vitamin B6: 7%
Folate: 7%
Iron: 3%
Magnesium: 5%
Phosphorous: 4%
Potassium: 12%
Copper: 5%
Manganese: 10%
Great article