Tomatoes are rich in potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and folate – substances important for normal heart function. Studies show that adequate potassium intake in the diet may help maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, Medicalnewstoday.com
Read more In Vilnius – record supply of new apartments: how has it affected prices?
The folates in tomatoes also help regulate homocysteine levels in the blood. It is believed that increased levels of this substance may be associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
This substance interests scientists
Tomatoes are one of the main sources of lycopene. This substance gives them their bright red color.
The substances found in tomatoes may be associated with a lower risk of certain cancers.
Lycopene and other antioxidants help fight free radicals – unstable molecules that can damage cells. Some studies show that substances in tomatoes may be linked to a lower risk of certain cancers, but scientists emphasize that more research is needed in this area.
Benefits may extend to eyes and skin
Tomatoes contain lutein, beta-carotene, and lycopene. These substances are associated with protecting the eyes from harmful light exposure and with a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
This is one reason why dietitians recommend including more colorful vegetables and fruits in the daily diet.
Read more Magyaras surprised: no weapons for Ukraine
Vitamin C in tomatoes is necessary for collagen production. Collagen is important for skin, hair, nails, and connective tissue. When the body lacks vitamin C, the skin becomes more sensitive to harmful environmental effects.
When should you not overdo tomatoes?
Although tomatoes are beneficial for most people, in some cases they can cause problems.
Due to their fairly high acidity, tomatoes can worsen heartburn, acid reflux, and other gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. Therefore, people experiencing this problem often notice feeling worse after eating tomatoes or tomato sauces.
Specialists also recommend moderate consumption of tomatoes for people with impaired kidney function who have been advised by a doctor to limit potassium intake in their diet.
Cooked tomatoes may be even more beneficial
Interestingly, some beneficial substances in tomatoes become easier for the body to absorb after heat treatment. Studies show that boiling or stewing increases the availability of lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Therefore, benefits can come not only from fresh tomatoes but also from tomato sauces, stews, or soups.
Read more Bailiffs’ criticism of the Register Center: after the update, the system is «practically paralyzed»
