30 Amazing Benefits of Tomatoes
Botanically speaking, tomato is a delicious fruit that belongs to the nightshade family of the Solanaceae family but is mostly consumed as vegetable and salad. Its use as a food originated in Mexico and then spread throughout the world.
Tomatoes provide numerous health and beauty benefits due to the abundance of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and polyphenols, etc.
Nutrition chart of Tomato
Health Benefits of Tomatoes
Some of the major health benefits of tomatoes are as follows
(1) Provides Antioxidantal Benefits
Antioxidants like lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in the tomatoes protects our cells and tissues from free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules and doing so, cause oxidative damage to them.
Antioxidants in tomatoes provide several other benefits like improved cardiovascular health, stronger immunity, improved neurological health, and so on.
(2) Excellent Source Of Vitamins And Minerals
Tomato is an excellent source of several essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, phytonutrients, polyphenols, iron, potassium, magnesium, etc, and the presence of these compounds provides several benefits to us.
Because of these essential nutrients, tomatoes help in regulating blood pressure, lowers blood sugar levels, aids in treating anemia, minimizes the risk of neurological problems, etc.
Later in this article, we will learn about these benefits in detail.
(3) Maintains Cholesterol Level
The dietary fibers in tomatoes reduce the level of bad LDL cholesterol and thus helps in managing our cholesterol level.
It prevents the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits within the arterial walls, and thus reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.
(4) Reduces The Damage Caused By Cigarette Smoking
Tomatoes are beneficial against the damaged caused by cigarette smoking as it contains compounds like “coumaric acid” and “Chlorogenic acid” that fights against the “nitrosamines” produced in the body during smoking.
Nitrosamines are carcinogenic compounds that increase the risk of various cancers like lung cancer, mouth cancer, throat cancer, etc.
In addition to this, other antioxidants like vitamin A present in the tomatoes fights with the free radicals of our body stabilizes them, and thus reduces the risk of lung cancer.
(5) Keep Our Eyes Healthy
Tomatoes are good for the eyes, the visionary organ that allows us to enjoy the beauty of this world.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc present in the tomatoes protect our eyes from free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of age related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, etc.
Vitamin A present in the tomatoes is an essential nutrient for the eyes as it improves vision, prevents dryness of the eyes, and minimizes the risk of night-blindness.
(6) Keeps Our Digestive System Healthy
Tomatoes are good for the stomach and improve our digestive health.
The laxative properties of the dietary fibers in tomatoes improve our bowel movement, ensures smooth elimination of stool from the body, and thus provides relief from constipation and other gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating, indigestion and flatulence, etc.
Vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our digestive system from free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, and intestinal cancer, etc.
The abundance of water (around 94 percent) in the tomatoes also contributes to digestive health as it promotes digestion, increases metabolism, and helps in the proper absorption of nutrients.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium and B vitamins, etc also contribute to our digestive health.
(7) Provides Relief From High Blood Pressure Or Hypertension
Potassium, a vital mineral present in the tomatoes is a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a silent killer that affects millions of people around the world and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, irregular heartbeat, etc. It is mainly identified by the symptoms such as severe headaches, nosebleed, fatigue, nosebleed, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, urine in blood, etc.
Even with this benefit, consume tomatoes in moderation as over intake of potassium may lower the blood pressure to an abnormally low level giving rise to hypotension with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, fainting, dehydration, blurred vision, lack of concentration, and pale skin, etc.
Also, if you are already on blood pressure medication then you should consume tomatoes after having a word with your doctor to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.
(8) Helps In Managing Diabetes
Tomatoes are beneficial for people with diabetes and for those who are at risk of developing diabetes.
With a low glycemic index of 15, tomatoes slow down the rate at which sugar is released into the bloodstream, prevent a sudden spike in blood sugar level, and thus helps in managing diabetes.
The dietary fibers in the tomatoes slow down the rate at which sugar gets absorbed by the bloodstream and helps in controlling blood sugar levels.
As per a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, consuming tomatoes regularly reduces the oxidative stress of type-2 diabetes because of the large number of antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and lycopene in them.
(9) Prevents Urinary Tract Infections
Tomatoes are good for urinary health and minimize the risk of urinary tract infections.
The detoxifying properties of the dietary fibers in tomatoes eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our system and minimizes the burden of detoxification from our vital organs like the liver and kidneys to some extent.
By helping with the detoxification, it allows the kidneys to focus on other functions they need to perform and thus minimizes the risk of urinary tract infections.
Because of their diuretic properties, tomatoes increase the frequency and flow of urination and minimizes the risk of urinary tract infections.
Antioxidants like lycopene, vitamin C, and vitamin A, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc present in the tomatoes protect our urinary system from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of bladder cancer.
The abundance of water (around 94 percent) in the tomatoes also contributes to better urinary health as it aids with proper urination and efficient elimination of toxins and unwanted substances.
(10) Prevents Gallstones
The magnesium present in the tomatoes minimizes the risk of gallstones and gallbladder diseases.
The detoxifying properties of the dietary fibers in tomatoes eliminate toxins, pollutants, excess fluids, and mineral salts from our system and this minimizes the burden of detoxification from the vital organs like the liver and kidneys.
It improves renal health and minimizes the risk of kidney stones and gallstones.
(11) Promotes Weight Loss
Consuming tomatoes promotes weight loss, and is good for individuals who are on a weight loss journey and would like to get rid of some extra pounds.
Eating 100 grams of tomatoes provides around 18 calories of energy which means one can consume tomatoes in moderation without worrying about the excessive calorie load.
The dietary fibers in tomatoes provide stomach satiety, decrease our urge to eat again and again, and thus controls overeating which is a major cause of obesity.
The abundance of water ( around 94 percent) in the tomatoes also contributes to weight management as it aids digestion, improves metabolism, and controls overeating.
(12) Beneficial During Pregnancy
The presence of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and polyphenols, etc makes tomatoes very beneficial during the pregnancy stage.
The antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and lycopene, etc present in the tomatoes protects the uterus and the fetus developing in the womb from free radical damage.
The dietary fibers in tomatoes aids in managing cholesterol levels, and also regulates blood sugar levels, and thus reduces the risk of gestational diabetes.
Tomatoes improve the digestive health of pregnant women and minimize the risk of ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that usually triggers during the first trimester of pregnancy or postpartum period.
The folic or the folate present in the tomatoes supports brain development in the fetus and reduces the risk of neural tube defects and spina bifida etc.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, iron, and copper, etc also contribute to a healthier pregnancy.
(13) Make Our Bones Stronger
Tomatoes strengthen our bones and teeth due to the presence of bone-strengthening minerals like calcium, magnesium, vitamin K and potassium, etc in them.
Calcium is an essential mineral for the growth and development of the bones, and lack of this mineral may increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a bone disorder in which our bones become weak and fragile, and are prone to damage and fracture.
Potassium neutralizes acid load, reduces loss of calcium from the bones, and thus improves bone density.
Magnesium also contributes to healthier bones as it improves bone density.
Vitamin K also helps in keeping our bones healthy as it takes part in the carboxylation of many bone-related proteins.
(14) Strengthens Our Immune System
Eating tomatoes strengthens our immune system, the defense mechanism of the body that helps in the prevention and treatment of various microbial infections, diseases, and injuries, etc.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other relevant antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in the tomatoes protect our immune cells or the white blood cells from free radical damage, and thus strengthens our immune system.
Vitamin C also enhances the production of white blood cells and further strengthens our immunity.
With a stronger immune system, we are less likely to get infected by diseases like a cough, cold, fever, and flu, etc.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamin K, etc also contribute to better immune health.
(15) Provides Relief From Inflammation
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound present in the tomatoes provides relief from pain and inflammation caused by inflammatory diseases like arthritis, rheumatism, gouts, rheumatoid, asthma, and bronchial asthma, etc.
Also, as per a study published in the United States Department of Agriculture, antioxidantal compounds like “Lycopene” and “Apolycopenoids” in the tomatoes play a significant role in fighting against inflammation.
(16) Increase Fertility In Men
Lycopene, an antioxidantal compound present in the tomatoes protects the sperm cells from free radical damage and also boosts fertility in men by as much as 70 percent.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
Other antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin A also play an efficient role in protecting the sperm cells from free radical damage and for reducing the number of abnormal sperm cells.
As per a Boston study, consuming tomatoes regularly for at least 7 days reduces the risk of both prostate cancer and advanced prostate cancer by 35 percent and 50 percent respectively.
(17) Good For Our Brain
Tomatoes improve our neurological health and are good for the brain.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in tomatoes protect our brain cells aka neurons from free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia, and dementia, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, vitamin B complex, and magnesium, etc also contribute to neurological health and provides cognitive benefits like sharper memory, better focus, improved concentration, etc.
(18) Maintains Liver and Kidney Health
Eating tomatoes regularly improves the health of our vital organs like the liver and kidneys.
Both liver and kidneys are vital organs of the body that mainly helps with the removal of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances out of the body, and also perform various other functions.
Some of the major functions performed by the liver are production and excretion of bile juice, excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones and drugs, metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, enzyme activation, storage of glycogen, vitamins and minerals, and synthesis of plasma protein, etc.
Similarly, kidneys also perform various functions like the removal of waste and extra fluids, regulate high blood pressure, aids in the production of red blood cells, control pH levels in the body, improves bone health, etc.
Antioxidants like lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc present in the tomatoes protect our vital organs like the liver and kidneys from free radical damage and improves the efficiency of these organs.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules and doing so, cause oxidative damage to them.
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound present in tomatoes minimizes the risk of liver inflammation.
The detoxifying properties of the dietary fibers in tomatoes eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our system.
Helping with detoxification, reduces the burden of detoxification from the liver and kidneys to some extent and allows these organs to focus on other functions they need to perform.
Other nutrients like potassium, calcium, vitamin B complex, and iron, etc also contribute to better liver and kidney health.
Beauty Benefits Of Tomatoes For Skin
Some of the major beauty benefits of tomatoes for skin are as follows
(1) Helps In Treating Acne
Tomatoes are beneficial for the prevention and treatment of skin problems like acne and pimples.
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people across the globe and mainly occurs due to the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, and other impurities within the skin pores.
The detoxifying properties of the dietary fibers in tomatoes eliminate toxins, pollutants, impurities, and other unwanted substances from our system.
When there are fewer toxins in our system, they are less likely to accumulate in the skin pores and thus minimizes the risk of acne and pimples.
Dietary fibers also regulate the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevent acne from worsening.
The salicylic acid in the tomatoes dries up the acne and thus helps with acne treatment.
To get rid of acne, mash a ripe tomato and evenly spread the pulp on the affected skin. Let it air dry for 20 to 30 minutes, and then rinse off with lukewarm water. Repeating the same twice or thrice a day will not clear off the acne, but will also make your skin soft and supple.
Alternatively, you can mix an equal proportion of tomato juice and cucumber juice, and apply it to the affected area using a cotton ball. Let it air dry and then rinse off with lukewarm water. This remedy helps in treating acne, and also fades off acne scars.
(2) Shrinks Large Skin Pores
The astringent properties of the tomatoes help in skin tightening and aids in shrinking large skin pores.
Shrinking of large skin pores is important for skin health as large skin pores are more likely to get clogged by dirt, pollutants, oily particles, etc, and thereby increases the risk of skin problems like acne, pimples, and eczema, etc.
To tighten your skin pores, take one tablespoon of tomato juice in a ball, and add a few drops of lemon juice to it. Rinse your face with clean water, and gently apply this mixture on the large skin pores using a cotton ball.
Let it dry for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse it off with cold water. Pat dry with a soft and clean towel.
Follow the remedy twice a week to shrink large skin pores, and for improving skin radiance.
(3) Controls Excess Oil Secretion
Excessive secretion of oil from the glands of the skin may worsen the skin problems like acne and pimples.
The astringent properties of tomatoes tighten skin pores and control the secretion of excess oil from skin glands. This prevents the skin problems like acne and pimples from worsening.
To control excess oil secretion, cut a tomato in half and rub it on your skin for a few minutes. Let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse off with cold water. Pat dry your skin with a soft towel.
Additionally, you may mix 3-4 tablespoons of cucumber juice to two freshly squeezed tomato juice, and gently apply the mixed juice on your face in a circular motion using a cotton ball. Let it dry for 10 minutes, and then rinse it off with cold water. Repeat it every night before going to sleep for skin tighten the skin pores and making the skin soft and supple.
(4) Good For Treating Suntan
Tomatoes protect our skin from harmful UV rays of the sun and also aids in treating suntan.
Prolonged exposure of UV rays to the skin may give rise to problems like wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis, and solar elastosis, etc.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, lycopene, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our skin cells from oxidative stress caused by the harmful UV rays of the sun and minimizes the risk of skin cancer.
To get rid of suntan, blend two large-sized tomatoes and half a cup of yogurt to form a smooth paste. Apply this paste to the sunburned area and let it dry for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse it off with cold water.
Also, you can mix two tablespoons of tomato juice and four tablespoons of milk and apply it to the affected area. Let it dry for 30 minutes, and then rinse it off with cold water.
As per a 2001 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, consuming tomatoes regularly protects against UV light-induced erythema.
(5) Helps In Clearing Blemishes
The astringent and skin-lightening properties of tomatoes help in clearing out skin blemishes.
To get rid of skin blemishes, mix two teaspoons of tomato pulp, one teaspoon of oatmeal, and one teaspoon of yogurt to form a paste. Gently rub this mixture on the affected area and let it dry for 20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water. Repeat twice a week to clear skin blemishes.
(6) Lightens Skin Tone
Tomatoes lighten skin tone and make our skin soft, supple, and radiant.
For skin lightening, add 3 tablespoons of tomato juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and two tablespoons of milk cream together to form a fine paste. Apply this paste on the face and neck, and let it air dry for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off with cold water. Repeat twice a week for better results.
Alternatively, you can mix two tablespoons of tomato juice and two tablespoons of honey to form a paste and apply this paste to the affected area. Let it dry for 10 minutes, and then rinse it off with cold water.
(7) Helps In Skin Exfoliation
The exfoliating properties of tomatoes help in getting rid of dead and dry skin cells.
For skin exfoliation, cut a fresh tomato in half and sprinkle some sugar powder on one half of the tomato. Gently rub it on the face in a circular motion.
Alternatively, you may add 1 tablespoon of tomato juice, two tablespoons of honey, and one tablespoon of bentonite clay together to form a paste. Gently apply this paste on the skin, let air dry for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rub it off with wet fingers.
This removes dead skin cells and improves skin radiance.
Other nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B complex, etc nourishes the skin and improves skin health.
(8) Keep Premature Ageing At Bay
The antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, lycopene, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in tomatoes protect our skin cells from free radical damage and minimizes various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc.
Tomatoes can also be applied topically to fight off premature aging.
For this, blend one tomato and one ripe avocado to form a smooth paste. Gently apply this paste on your face and let it air dry for 20-30 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water, and pat dry your face with a clean and soft towel.
Beauty Benefits Of Tomatoes For Hair
Some of the major beauty benefits of tomatoes for hair and scalp are as follows.
(1) Helps In Treating Oily Hair
The astringent and acidic properties of the tomatoes maintain the pH level of the scalp, controls the secretion of excess oil, and thus treats oily hair.
To get rid of oily hair problems, apply fresh tomato juice to your washed hair and scalp. Let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse off with cold water. Repeat twice a week to control excess oil from the scalp and fade off the foul smell associated with it.
(2) Prevents Premature Greying Of Hair
The lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in the tomatoes protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage, and prevents premature greying of hair, hair dryness, split ends, etc.
Consuming tomatoes and as well as topical application of tomato pulp on the washed hair follicles and scalp is beneficial for treating premature greying of hair.
(3) Promotes Hair Growth
The abundance of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, etc in the tomatoes provides nourishment to our hair follicles and scalp and promotes the growth of new hair follicles.
Antioxidants like vitamin C and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage.
(4) Provides Moisturization to Our Hair And Scalp
Tomatoes provide moisturization to our hair follicles and scalp due to the abundance of water ( around 94 percent) in them.
The nutrients like vitamins and minerals etc in the tomatoes nourish our hair follicles and scalp, promote scalp health, and promote the growth of new hair follicles.
Disclaimer
The information contained in the post is for general purposes only and shouldn’t be considered as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice. Although I’ve tried my best to keep the information contained in this post as accurate and updated as possible, I make no guarantee of the accurateness of the same.
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