Why should you eat tomatoes daily?

Tomato is a juicy fruit that belongs to the nightshade family and is native to South America. Despite being a fruit botanically, it is used as a vegetable in most dishes. Tomato is red due to the plant compound lycopene, a powerful dietary antioxidant source essential for reducing heart diseases and cancer. Tomato is rich in vitamin K, folate, potassium and vitamin C. Although we generally associate the image of red fruit with tomato, it is also available in a riot of colours such as green, yellow, purple and orange. An interesting fact is that subspecies of tomatoes come in different flavours and shapes.

In this article, we quickly give you an idea about the skin and health benefits of a tomato or its juice.

Heart healthy

A heart disease comprises strokes and heart attacks. It is considered the most prevalent cause of death. Low levels of lycopene and beta-carotene in blood have been directly linked to higher incidences of strokes and heart attacks. Lycopene supplementation will significantly help to lower bad cholesterol levels. Tomato consumption is also effective against inflammation, and oxidative stress, and forms a protective layer within the inner blood vessel layers, and decreases blood clotting risks.

Cancer preventive

Cancer is an abnormal multiplication of defective cells that start to spread to surrounding organs, invading different parts of the body. Tomatoes rich in lycopene can lower the chances of lung, stomach and even prostate cancer. The high concentration of carotenoids can help protect one from breast cancer. Tomatoes can even minimise the negative effects of daily sun exposure, which are responsible for squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.

Can help to heal wounds

Regular consumption of vitamin C can help promote the development of new connective tissues. It aids in repairing wounds and speeds up the healing process. If you have recently undergone any surgical procedures or have sustained any injuries, having tomato juice or tomato in its raw form can help the wound to dry up and heal faster.

Can help to soothe inflammation

If you are currently experiencing skin allergies or irritation due to sunburn, applying tomato can help to soothe inflammation and ease the pain associated with it. It is because tomato has anti-inflammatory effects due to compounds such as:
·  Beta carotene
·  Lycopene
·  Lutein
· Vitamin C
· Vitamin E

May promote collagen production

Collagen is a structural protein present in the connective tissues of the body. It starts to decline once people hit 30. Collagen is responsible for giving skin elasticity and shine. Additionally, it promotes healthy nails and hair growth. Tomato being a great source of vitamin C, can help promote collagen production by giving a kick to your overall immune system.

Mix tomato juice in your face pack and apply it every day. It can help make your skin firm and maintain its youthfulness.

Removes dead skin cells

In order to improve the appearance and health of the skin, you need to exfoliate two to three times a week. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells. Skin experts believe that tomatoes contain enzymes that mimic exfoliation properties. Hence, adding tomato to your homemade scrub can be a good alternative to store-bought scrubs. They can sometimes also contain chemicals and more jagged sugar crystals that can tear and damage the skin. To make a pack at home, take a teaspoon of sugar and one or two tomatoes and mash it up well.

Anti-ageing properties

If age and sun exposure have caused you to lose your youthful glow, you can get it back by either consuming or applying tomato to your face regularly. Tomato contains vitamins such as B1, B3, B5, B6 and B9 that help to reduce wrinkles, spots, fine lines and overall sun damage.

May reverse cellular damage

Free radicals present in the environment harm the cells within the skin. This increases signs of ageing and wrinkle formation. Tomato contains lycopene and vitamin C, both rich sources of antioxidants that help fight free radicals and reverse the ill effects of cellular damage.

Conclusion:

Tomato not only adds to the taste of any dish but also works upon your beauty when added to your skincare routine. However, do not ignore its side effects. Tomatoes contain histamine. Hence, people who have super-sensitive skin can experience skin rashes and allergies. So always do a patch test if using topically.

Sources:

www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/tomatoes
www.healthline.com/health/tomato-benefits-for-skin
www.femina.in/beauty/skin/benefits-of-tomato-on-face-199634.html