Oh those delicious tomatoes! 10 Health Benefits of Love Apples

Tomatoes… sweet, juicy, tasty, and most importantly, healthy! Low-calorie, fat-free, high in vitamins. What else to demand from a healthy vegetable?

Although tomatoes are most often associated with Italian cuisine, they came to us from South America. Initially, tomatoes were grown in Mexico, and the conquistadors brought them to Europe. Today it is one of the best selling vegetables in the world. The largest producers of tomatoes are Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey and China. In France, this vegetable is called pomme d'amour, i.e. "apple of love" (originally it was believed that tomatoes are an aphrodisiac). In Italian, this fruit is called pomodoro - "golden apple", because the first types of this vegetable were yellow.

Looking for a dietary product? Include tomatoes in your diet. And that's why…

(Total 10 photos)

Source: 10awesome.com

1. Source of vitamins and dietary fiber.

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, K, B6, as well as folic acid and potassium. They are also low in sodium and low in calories. In addition, tomatoes contain thiamine, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus and copper. Not to mention the fact that it is a rich source of dietary fiber and water. One cup of fresh tomatoes provides 57.3% of your daily vitamin C, 22.4% of vitamin A, and 7.9% of fiber. And another 11.4% of the daily dose of potassium, 5.6% of niacin, 7% of vitamin B6 and 6.8% of folic acid.

2. They improve skin condition.

The beta-carotene in tomatoes (which is also found in potatoes and carrots) protects the skin from harmful UV rays. Lycopene also makes the skin less sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, which prevents premature wrinkles.

3. Tomatoes strengthen bones.

Tomatoes are also good for your musculoskeletal system. Vitamin K and calcium make bones stronger and healthier. The same lycopene improves bone health and prevents osteoporosis. Therefore, women over 40 are advised to include more tomatoes in their diet.

4. Tomatoes against cancer.

And all thanks to the same component - lycopene. It protects the body from the development of cancer cells (in the prostate, cervix, ovaries, throat, neck, esophagus, stomach and intestines). The antioxidants found in tomatoes help fight free radicals that damage cells. The benefits of lycopene are enhanced when tomatoes are eaten with fat-rich foods such as avocados or olive oil.

5. Tomatoes regulate blood sugar.

The chromium in tomatoes helps keep the body's glucose levels at optimal levels. This, of course, does not mean that you can eat sweets recklessly if tomatoes are present in your daily diet. In the end, balance is everything.

6. Eye protection.

Vitamin A in tomatoes helps improve vision (especially at night). Recent studies have shown that regular consumption of tomatoes reduces the risk of macular degeneration.

7. Tomatoes are good for hair.

Not only does the skin get better thanks to tomatoes, but also the hairline! Vitamin A strengthens hair and makes it shiny. Periodically make your hair a mask of tomatoes.

8. Tomatoes help the kidneys and gallbladder.

Tomatoes prevent kidney stones and clogging of the gallbladder. Recent studies have shown that people who consume seedless tomatoes are less likely to develop kidney stones and gallbladder problems.

9. Tomatoes relieve pain.

The carotenoids and flavonoids in tomatoes have incredible healing properties. They help relieve pain, especially in the back.

10. Weight loss.

Tomato-based dishes will help you stay in shape. Thanks to the water and fiber, tomatoes are a great filling snack. You will lose the feeling of hunger without resorting to the consumption of fatty foods. Tomatoes can be easily incorporated into your diet in a variety of ways: in salads, sandwiches, omelettes, soups, baked, or as a sauce. No matter how you use tomatoes, know that you made the right choice!