Image courtesy stock.xchnge (BryanGilchrist)
Not only are tomatoes a good source of potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, and copper, but they also have dietary fibre and protein as well as a number of organic compounds like lycopene that contribute to their health benefits.
According to organicfacts.net, the benefits are:
1. Rich in antioxidants: They contain a large amount of lycopene, which is highly effective in scavenging cancer-causing free radicals.
2. Rich source of vitamins and minerals: One tomato can provide about 40 %of the daily vitamin C requirement.
3. Protect the heart: Experts explain that the lycopene in tomatoes prevents serum lipid oxidation, thus exerting a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases.
4. Aid in digestion: They’re great for preventing constipation and diarrhoea.
5. Improve vision: Thanks to the vitamin A present in tomatoes, they aid in improving vision, and preventing night-blindness and macular degeneration.
6. Lower hypertension: This is due to the impressive levels of potassium found in tomatoes.
7. Can help manage diabetes: A study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that daily consumption of tomatoes reduces the oxidative stress of type 2 diabetes.
8. Great for skincare: Daily tomato consumption will help your teeth, bones and skin. Plus, topical application of tomato juice is known to help with severe sunburn.
9. Prevent urinary tract infections: This is due to the fact that tomatoes are high in water content, which can stimulate urination; hence they’re a diuretic.
10. Prevent gallstones: Regular consumption can provide relief from gallstones, say experts.
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