The tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) is a fruit native to Mexico , whose characteristic intense red color and slight acid flavor have made it a food for daily consumption.

This fruit is made up mostly of water , it also has a high content of vitamin A, C and E and minerals such as potassium, iron and magnesium , in addition to its low level of calories, providing only 22 Kcal per 100 grams of tomato. It also has a high fiber and carotenoid content.

Traditionally, the tomato is eaten raw in salads or cooked and processed as a sauce as an accompaniment to many culinary dishes. For these reasons, below you will be able to see a list of the benefits that you can obtain thanks to the consumption of tomatoes.

What are the health benefits of tomatoes?

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene , a carotenoid pigment responsible for providing the bright red color to this fruit and which, according to Hospital Nutrition Magazine (1) , also has antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties, and other benefits that you can discover in the following list:

1. Prevents heart disease

According to studies carried out by the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences of the University of Tarapacá, Chile (2) , the high level of lycopene in tomatoes, together with vitamin C, which stands out in its properties, give this fruit anti-atherogenic qualities , it is That is, they reduce the risk of heart disease.

2. Strengthens the immune system

The great content of vitamin C that tomato has is one of the main benefits that stand out in this fruit, since this compound gives you a lower risk of contracting viral diseases, at the same time that it reinforces the immune system due to its powerful antioxidant action.

3. Lowers cholesterol

Thanks to the fiber that tomato contains, this food can be incorporated into the daily diet to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the blood , since this compound minimizes the absorption of cholesterol and helps to eliminate it effectively and naturally.

4. Improves visual health

The consumption of tomato will provide you with lutein and zeaxanthin, two compounds that provide you with a lower risk of suffering visual diseases , in addition to protecting your eye structure from the damage generated by sunlight.

5. Eliminate fluid retention and constipation

Currently, there are different ways to eat tomatoes and if you suffer from fluid retention or constipation, this fruit will become your best ally.

To highlight: Its great contribution of water and fiber are the ideal combination against said pathologies, since they help you regulate intestinal transit at the same time that it provides you with its diuretic effect.

6. Slows cell degeneration

The antioxidants present in tomatoes help to more effectively eliminate free radicals circulating in your body, this gives you a lower incidence of oxidative damage and directly benefits the health of cells and tissues.

7. Protects skin, hair and teeth

The acidity of the tomato has made it an effective home remedy to treat skin conditions , in addition to serving as a natural hair exfoliant for people who suffer from diseases of the scalp.

Note: Consuming raw tomato will improve the health of your teeth and gums, since its acidity level helps you eliminate the bacteria that cause dental cavities.

8. Strengthens the bones

The pink tomato in particular, is a variety of this fruit that stands out for its peculiar color and shape, as well as the large amount of vitamins it provides , where the B vitamins and its great contribution of potassium stand out.

To highlight: The person who regularly consumes tomato can maintain the health of their bones , since this fruit is a rich source of potassium, its intake helps you to obtain a lower incidence of eliminating calcium and other important compounds for bone health. .

9. Contributes to the prevention of some types of cancer

An article published by the Revista de Salud Pública de México (3) , states that lycopene , a compound present in high doses in tomatoes, has anticancer properties , helping to reduce the chances of suffering from this disease and benefits people who already they suffer from it

Important: Lycopene has inhibitory effects against breast, endometrial, lung and prostate cancer.

Key Findings

  • The tomato is a fruit of Mexican origin , characteristic for its bright red color and peculiar acid flavor.
  • Vitamin C and potassium are the two nutrients that stand out the most within the properties of tomato.
  • The antioxidant quality of tomato strengthens the immune system, prevents heart disease and benefits cell health.
  • The great content of water and fiber that tomato has, decrease fluid retention, improve constipation and reduce cholesterol.
  • Tomato has been scientifically proven to have anti-cancer qualities.

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