Regarded as both fruit and vegetable, the tomato is a part of innumerable dishes of different cuisines. It is used as one of the important ingredients in pizzas, pasta, curries, and can also be eaten raw. But, are tomatoes good for you from a health standpoint? Apart from making your food tasty, it also holds numerous health benefits, like reducing blood pressure, stimulating fluid equilibrium, detoxification, decreasing inflammation, etc. It is equally beneficial in enhancing the charm of your face. Let’s check out how adding this immensely cultivated vegetable to your food can prove to be precious for your health and beauty.
Health Benefits of Tomatoes
1. Cancer
The antioxidant lycopene is present in high quantities in tomato. This element protects the DNA from destruction. Eating this vegetable proves very effective to protect the body from cancer.
2. Constipation
Acidic fruits and vegetables are tremendous laxatives, particularly in their raw form. Sprinkle a little salt on tomatoes and have them in the morning as the first thing. It will help regularize the bowel movement.
3. Diabetes
Tomatoes have low carbohydrates that assist in managing the blood sugar levels and calorie intake. The high measures of antioxidants reduce the risk associated with diabetes and also provide protection to kidneys that are the most affected areas by diabetes.
4. Eyes
Vitamin A content shields retina and also provides protection to eyes from various disorders. The lutein and zeaxanthin components of tomatoes defend the eye tissues from damage. Vitamin C fights against cataract forming elements and copper assists in producing melanin.
5. Good for Babies
Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin A, antioxidants, and many other nutrients; hence, they assist in the development of strong bones and powerful immune system. It also aids in averting the chances of lead toxicity in children.
6. Inflammation
Lycopene present in tomatoes decreases the inflammation of lungs and other parts of the body.
7. Kidney Stones
The lycopene content of tomatoes interrupts serum lipid oxidation and checks the development of gallbladder and kidney stones. Daily consumption of tomato juice dissolves and hinders the growth of renal stone.
8. Weight Loss
Want to trim your waistline? Drink a glass of tomato juice on a daily basis. You can also substitute chips, crackers, cheese and granola bars with raw tomatoes. Since tomatoes are low in calories, they can help you shed those extra pounds.
9. Liver Diseases
This vegetable, being rich in lycopene, helps maintain proper liver function. It is effective against liver fibrosis, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer. Moreover, they are helpful in dissolving gallstones and defending the liver against congestion.
10. Varicose Veins
Tomato seeds contain a substance that has properties identical to acetylsalicylic acid. It is supposed to be an anticoagulant, which thins the blood. The flavonoids present in tomatoes provide strength to the blood vessels.
11. Blood Pressure
The lycopene present in tomatoes help regulate the cholesterol level and lessens the systolic blood pressure. Also, potassium, chlorine, vitamin C, and fiber decreases the chances of cardiovascular problems.
12. Pregnancy
The folic acid present in tomatoes is very vital for pregnant women, as it safeguards the infants from the neural tube defects.
13. Bones
A significant amount of calcium and vitamin K is present in tomatoes, which is essential for the development and repairing of bones and tissues.
14. Relieves Stress
Massage your body with tomato extract, to alleviate stress, and feel revitalized.
Beauty Benefits of Tomatoes
15. Moisturize the Hair
Vitamin and iron contents of tomatoes turn dull and damaged hair shiny and also help to get rid of the itchy scalp and dandruff.
16. Removes Odor from Strands
Bothered with the bad odor emerging from your hair? Just apply tomato juice on the scalp and rinse it off after ½ hour.
17. Dark Circles
Bleaching property of tomato lightens the skin; that is why, it helps clear the area around the eyes and removes dark circles.
18. De-tanning
Lycopene present in tomatoes acts as a sunscreen and is very beneficial in de-tanning the skin.
19. Removes Dead Skin
Scrub your face with a mixture of tomato and sugar, to remove dead cells and get a fresh look.
Tomatoes have lycopene that empowers the skin to absorb more oxygen and also fights against the free radicals to prevent skin from cellular damage. It makes the skin healthy looking, free of wrinkles and fine lines.
21. Acne
Vitamin A and C in tomatoes are very effective in removing acne. Its acidic nature acts as an astringent and shrinks the large pores to cure blackheads and pimples, making your face clean.
22. Lips
The stuff inside tomato assists in preventing bleeding from the dried lips, and it also lessens the dryness of lips.
