Tomatoes though a fruit, it is also regarded as a vegetable; they have the highest amount of lycopene than any fruit or vegetable on earth. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that prevents the activities of free radicals in the body; it also fights cancer, rapid aging, and other chronic diseases.

Tomatoes have a rich content of vitamin C; they are also rich in vital minerals and vitamins like folate, potassium and vitamin K. Tomatoes also have other antioxidants besides lycopene; they are nutrient-dense and one of the healthiest foods on the planet.

Top 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Tomatoes

They are many species of tomatoes and they come in different sizes and colors, and as they differ so do their nutrient types differ also. Cherry tomatoes have more beta-carotene than regular tomatoes.

Below are the amazing ways tomatoes help to keep us fit and healthy.

1.   Tomatoes is Richest Source of Lycopene

In the plant world, tomatoes have the highest amount of lycopene; it is found more in the skin of tomatoes and to get more of lycopene, go for red tomatoes. The redder the tomato; the more lycopene present in it.

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Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant; it fights and guards against cancer, premature aging, heart diseases, and other chronic diseases. This superfood keeps the skin healthy and gives it a natural glow.

2. It Fights Cancer

Tomatoes have a high success rate in controlling the growth and progression of cancers of the stomach, lungs, and prostate. Lycopene fights cancer and prevents uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.

There are also good amount of other carotenoids that fight breast cancer and other cancers of the body. Regular intake of tomatoes prevents cancer in healthy individuals while it helps cancer patients to overcome this disease.

Tomatoes can even prevent cancer caused by smoking cigarette; it has chlorogenic and Coumaric acid which fights nicotine, nitrosamines and other carcinogens found in cigarettes. It is even effective against lung cancer caused by cigarettes.

If you have cancer; take lots of fresh tomato juice daily; it will enhance your immune system and help your body overcome this disease.

3. Boosts Digestion

Tomatoes boost the digestive system, keep it clean and healthy and prevent digestive problems and disorders.it prevents diarrhea and constipation.

They have a rich amount of fiber that helps digestion; boost regular movement of bowels, it stimulates peristaltic movement, prevent constipation and help in the production of gastric and digestive juices.

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Tomatoes boost digestive function; it also guards against colorectal cancer and improves the overall health of the digestive system.

4. Prevents Acidity

Acidosis is a medical condition that happens when the body is acidic; this leads to a weak immune system and lots of health problems including cancer.

The normal pH of the human body is 7.365. Tomato has an alkalizing effect on the body and it reverses acidosis and restores and maintains the normal pH of the body.

Tomatoes can alkalize the body because they are rich in minerals that can neutralize acidity; some of them are magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium. They serve as bases when in the body.

5. It Makes the Skin Healthy

Tomatoes are superfoods for the skin; lycopene protects the skin from sunburn, skin infections, rapid aging, and other skin problems. Tomatoes juice can be applied directly to severe sunburn; it cures it and clears the scars.

Daily consumption of tomato juice protects against UV-induced erythema; tomatoes are used in many anti-aging products and natural skin care products and cosmetics.

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They help in the production of collagen; it closes skin pores, makes the skin glow and prevents signs of aging, tomato juice is a natural sunscreen, it relieves stress, fights cellular damage and it is a natural bleaching agent.

It also smoothens the skin and removes dead skin cells.

6. Good for Pregnant Women

Tomatoes are rich in folate and it is advisable for women to take lots of tomatoes before and during pregnancy. Folate prevents and guards against neural tube defects in infants.

7. Supports Healthy Vision

The lycopene, beta-carotene, and lutein contained in tomatoes are powerful antioxidants that protect the eyes and guards against eye problems and disorders.

They prevent light-induced damage; they prevent and slow the progression of cataracts, they prevent age-related eye problems and macular degeneration.

Regular intake of tomatoes and tomato juice supply the body with these powerful compounds that help in preventing and treating age-related eye diseases.

8. Prevents Diabetes

Tomatoes can benefit patients with both type I and type II diabetes; the high fiber content of tomatoes help patients with type I diabetes to reduce the levels of glucose in their blood while it helps people with type II diabetes to boost the levels of insulin, glucose, and lipids in their blood.

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Even the American Diabetes Association recommends tomato juice for people with diabetes.

9. Boosts the Immune System

This sweet nightshade fruit is rich in important antioxidants, nutrients, and phytochemicals that help to fortify the immune system.

They prevent frequent infections; colds, influenza, weak immunity and other diseases caused by the deficiency of lycopene, beta-carotene, and carotenoids.

10. Lowers High Blood Pressure

Tomato juice is an effective natural remedy against hypertension; this is due to its rich content of potassium which helps in dilating blood vessels.

It dilates the arteries thereby improving the flow and circulation of blood; this reduces the stress and pressure placed on the heart, in this way, elimination is eliminated and normal blood pressure restored.

Tomatoes also benefit the hairs; the juice of tomatoes can be added to the hair to treat dull appearance and damaged hair, it makes the hair shine and it also acts as a natural conditioner.

It treats scalp problems like dandruff and itchy scalp; it is very easy to treat your hair with tomatoes juice,  wash your hair with shampoo, then apply enough tomato juice that will touch every part of your hair and scalp. Let it sit for 5 minutes; then you rinse it off with cold water.

How to Take Tomatoes

There are many ways to take tomatoes; the most common way is cooking. Tomatoes are used in making stew, sauces and are added to other meals.

It is even believed that cooked tomatoes are healthier because heat activates lycopene and makes it easily absorbable and utilizable by the body.

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Processed tomatoes are estimated to have more lycopene than fresh tomatoes, but it is better to stick to fresh tomatoes because the preservatives and other processes involved in making processed tomatoes are not healthy for the body. Rather take lots of fresh tomatoes on a regular basis.

Another way to take tomatoes is by taking tomato juice; this is done by juicing fresh tomatoes or you can blend them.