The Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain lycopene, a substance. It helps shield them from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and gives them their vibrant red color. It can help shield your cells from harm in a similar way. Potassium, vitamins B and E, and other nutrients are also present in tomatoes.

Antioxidant lycopene combats molecules known as free radicals, which can harm your cells and affect your immune system. As a result, tomatoes, which are high in lycopene, may reduce your risk of developing prostate, stomach, or lung cancer. They may also help prevent the disease in the pancreas, colon, throat, mouth, breast, and cervix, according to some research.

Lycopene may also help lower your blood pressure and LDL (or “bad” cholesterol) levels. Additionally, this may lower your risk of heart disease. Flavonoids and other nutrients found in tomatoes, such as vitamins B and E, may also improve heart health.

Lutein and zeaxanthin in tomatoes may help shield your eyes from the blue light produced by digital devices like computers and smartphones. They may also alleviate headaches caused by eyestrain and prevent tired eyes. They may even reduce your risk of developing a more severe form of the leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to some research: degeneration of the retina caused by aging.

According to some studies, tomatoes may be beneficial to asthmatics and may help prevent emphysema, a condition in which the air sacs in your lungs gradually become damaged. This may be due to the fact that antioxidants like lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin combat the harmful components of tobacco smoke, the leading cause of emphysema. Scientists are attempting to gain a deeper understanding of those effects.