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With the onset of the summer, you can grow a variety of vegetables in your backyard or garden and one of them is tomato. Tomatoes with their vibrant red colour are not just a staple in most Indian culinary creations but also packed with several health benefits.
Read More: 4 Ways To Preserve And Store Tomatoes
There is hardly any dish that doesn’t include tomatoes. Be it kadhi, korma, sauces, roasted dishes, or fresh in salads, tomatoes make their way through several dishes. This versatile vegetable has emerged as a kitchen superstar over the years. You can opt for a variety of tomatoes namely plum, cherry, or vine-ripened, offering a diverse nutritional profile. You can either buy tomatoes from the local market or pluck them from your own garden and include them in your cooking. Including tomatoes in your regular diet can offer multiple health benefits. Take a look at some of them:
Heart Health
Tomatoes are considered heart-friendly vegetables as they contain potassium, Vitamin C, and lycopene, an antioxidant. According to the journal ‘Low serum lycopene and β-carotene increase risk of acute myocardial infarction in men’ by the European Journal Of Public Health, dated December 2012, lycopene is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. It also helps in lowering the bad cholesterol levels (LDL) in the blood, reducing inflammation and preventing oxidation of cholesterol. Tomatoes contribute to better cardiovascular health.
Cancer Prevention
The study named ‘Tomatoes, tomato-based products, lycopene, and cancer: a review of the epidemiologic literature’ by the Journal Of National Cancer Institute dated February 1999 states that tomatoes and tomato products decrease the risk of certain types of cancer such as prostrate, lung and stomach. Moreover, the presence of lycopene in tomatoes has the ability to neutralise harmful free radicals and restrict the growth of cancer cells.
Skin Health And Anti-Ageing Benefits
Rich in Vitamins A and C, tomatoes are good for maintaining healthy skin. Reportedly, vitamin A promotes skin cell regeneration and repair, and vitamin C helps produce collagen, thus keeping the skin firm and youthful. Besides, lycopene protects the skin from harmful UV rays, reducing sunburn and premature aging. It helps contribute to radiant complexion.
Weight Management
Owing to their presence of high-water content, tomatoes are an excellent inclusion in the diet for those who are watching their weight. The fibre in the vegetable adds bulk to meals, promoting satiety and reducing hunger cravings. Moreover, tomatoes boost metabolism, further helping in the weight loss journey.
Benefits Eye Health
Tomatoes are packed with vitamin A which is essential for maintaining eye health. Besides, the presence of lutein and zeaxanthin, two vital antioxidants help prevent the eyes from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Tomatoes may help protect the eyes from the blue light made by devices such as smartphones and computers. Lycopene also protects the eyes from UV ray damage.
Digestive Health
The fibre content in tomatoes supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and by preventing constipation. Besides, the natural enzymes in tomatoes also aid in digestion and alleviate the symptoms of bloating and indigestion. Whether consumed fresh or cooked, tomatoes are beneficial for digestive health.
