8 Benefits of tomatoes for the health of your body
KONTAN.CO.ID -JAKARTA. You do not take tomatoes lightly, because tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Here are 8 benefits of tomatoes for the health of your body.
Who doesn’t know tomatoes. Crab tomatoes are consumed directly or used as ingredients for making food and chili sauce.
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Just so you know, water-rich fruit tomatoes contain a number of essential nutrients for the body.
Launching Healthline, the water content in tomatoes can reach 95%, while the rest consists of carbohydrates and insoluble fiber.
Tomatoes have vitamins and minerals that are good for the body. Among them are vitamins C, K1, K, B9 (folate), B, and potassium.
In addition, tomatoes have important antioxidant compounds for health such as lycopene, beta carotene, naringenin, chlorogenic acid, chlorophyll, and carotenoids.
With a series of nutrients, here are the benefits of tomatoes for the body and health:
1. Prevent cancer
Launching Medical News Today, tomatoes are a source of vitamin C and antioxidants that can help fight free radical formation. As is known, free radicals are one of the triggers for cancer.
The study, published in the journal Molecular Cancer Research, has linked high beta-carotene intake to prevention of tumor development in prostate cancer.
Tomatoes also contain lycopene. The polyphenol compounds that give tomatoes their red color have been shown to prevent prostate cancer.
Research in Japan also shows that consumption of beta-carotene from tomatoes or other vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of colon cancer.
2. Controlling blood pressure
Wisely consuming salt and sodium can help control blood pressure to remain ideal. In addition, maintaining a stable blood pressure can also be done by consuming a high intake of potassium such as tomatoes.
Potassium can widen the arteries so that blood flow to vital organs is smoother and tension is maintained.
3. Maintain heart health
The content of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and choline can support the benefits of tomatoes for heart health.
Consuming a high intake of potassium such as tomatoes, coupled with reducing sodium intake can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Tomatoes also contain folate.
This substance helps balance homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid that results from the breakdown of proteins, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Management of homocysteine levels by folate can reduce the risk of heart disease. Potassium not only lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.
But it can prevent muscle damage, maintain bone density, and prevent kidney stones.
4. Help manage diabetes
Studies show that people with type 1 diabetes who eat a high intake of fiber have lower blood sugar levels.
Meanwhile, consumption of high intake of fiber such as tomatoes can also help manage blood sugar, lipid and insulin levels for people with type 2 diabetes. One cup of tomatoes can provide about 2 grams of fiber.
Adults are advised to eat at least 25 grams of fiber per day.
5. Overcoming constipation
Eating foods that contain lots of water and fiber, such as tomatoes, can help smooth the digestive tract. The fiber in tomatoes can help reduce constipation and improve bowel movements.
6. Maintain eye health
Tomatoes can help protect the eyes from minor damage. Tomatoes can provide you with the antioxidants lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene.
These antioxidants have been shown to protect the eyes from damage caused by exposure to light, cataracts, and macular degeneration due to factors
7. Make skin healthier
Collagen is an essential component of skin, hair, nails and connective tissue. Collagen production in the body is highly dependent on vitamin C.
Vitamin C is also part of a powerful antioxidant. The impact of vitamin C deficiency on the skin can cause skin wrinkles, sagging, and even black spots appear.
Tomatoes are one of the fruits that contain lots of vitamin C. Inevitably, many people harvest its benefits for the skin as a tomato mask ingredient.
8. Supporting the health of pregnant women
Providing folate intake to pregnant women is very important before and during pregnancy. Folate can prevent babies from being born with neurological defects.
Tomatoes are a source of natural folate which is beneficial for pregnant women. Pregnant women can eat fresh tomatoes or drink tomato juice to meet their daily intake of folate.
Even though studies have revealed a number of benefits of tomatoes for the health of the body, consumption of tomatoes for some people still needs to be careful.
Some people who are sensitive to substances that are too acidic can experience heartburn when eating tomatoes.
In addition, people who are taking beta-blocker drugs and sufferers of kidney disease need to consult a doctor before eating tomatoes. (Mahardini Nur Afifah)
Also Read: These 5 benefits of lime are useful for the health of your body
This article was published on Kompas.com entitled “8 Benefits of Tomatoes for Body Health”