Thursday 7 January 2016
HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING TOMATOES
Tomato is type of vegetables which is very rich with a lot
of health benefits by consuming it with other vegetables and fruits. The
benefits of eating fruit and vegetables of all kinds, including tomatoes, are
infinite. As plant food consumption goes up, the risk of heart disease, diabetes,
and cancer goes down. High intake is also associated with healthy skin and
hair, increased energy and lower weight. Increasing consumption of fruits and
vegetables significantly decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality.
Health benefits of eating tomatoes:
1. Cancer: As an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin
C and other antioxidants, tomatoes can help combat the formation of free radicals
known to cause cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, some studies
have shown that people who have diets rich in tomatoes may have a lower risk of
certain types of cancer, especially cancers of the prostate, lung, and stomach.
Further human- based research is needed to find out what role lycopene might
play in the prevention or treatment of cancer.
2. Blood pressure: Maintaining a low sodium intake is essential
to lowering blood pressure, however increasing potassium intake may be just as important
because of its vasodilation effects. According to the National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey, fewer than 2 percent of U.S. adults meet the
daily 4700 mg recommendation. 3 Also of note, a high potassium intake is associated
with a 20 percent decreased risk of dying from all causes.
4. Heart health: The fiber, potassium, vitamin C and choline
content in tomatoes all support heart health. An increase in potassium intake
along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change
that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, according
to Mark Houston, M.D., M.S., an associate clinical professor of medicine at Vanderbilt
Medical School and director of the Hypertension Institute at St. Thomas
Hospital in Tennessee. In one study, those who consumed 4069 mg of potassium
per day had a 49 percent lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease
compared with those who consumed less potassium (about 1000 mg per day). High
potassium intakes are also associated with a reduced risk of stroke ,
protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density
and reduction in the formation of kidney stones.
5. Diabetes: Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who
consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may
have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One cup of cherry
tomatoes provides about 2 grams of fiber. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans
recommends 21-25 g/day for women and 30-38 g/day for men.
6. Skin: Collagen, the skins support system, is reliant on
vitamin C as an essential nutrient that works in our bodies as an antioxidant
to help prevent damage caused by the sun, pollution and smoke, smooth wrinkles
and improve overall skin texture.
7. Constipation: Eating foods that are high in water content
and fiber like tomatoes can help to keep you hydrated and your bowel movements
regular. Fiber is essential for minimizing constipation and adding bulk to the
stool.
8. Pregnancy: Adequate folic acid intake is essential for
pregnant women to protect against neural tube defects in infants which are in
tomatoes.
9. Depression: The folic acid in tomatoes may also help with
depression by preventing an excess of homocysteine from forming in the body,
which can prevent blood and other nutrients from reaching the brain. Excess
homocysteine interferes with the production of the feel-good hormones serotonin,
dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate not only mood, but sleep and
appetite as well.
You can incorporate more tomatoes into your diet:
- By using them in sauces and soups.
- Freshly slice them in your rice, beans and omelets.
- Slice tomatoes to your sandwiches.
The risks and precautions associated with the consumption of tomatoes:
Beta-blockers, a type of medication most commonly prescribed
for heart disease, can cause potassium levels to increase in the blood. High potassium
foods such as tomatoes should be consumed in moderation when taking beta-blockers.
Consuming too much potassium can be harmful for those whose
kidneys are not fully functional. If your kidneys are unable to remove excess potassium
from the blood, it could be fatal.
SOURCE: www.medicalnewstoday.com
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tomatoes are the best vegetables which are good for metabolism and skin health benefits of tomato
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