 Tomatoes contain vitamin A, which is highly beneficial to maintain healthy vision and improve the eyesight. Fortified with the mineral chromium, this is especially beneficial for diabetics to keep their blood sugar levels in control. A lot of vitamins like A, C and betacarotene act as anti-oxidants that help fight free radicals, which are known to cause cell damage. Potassium and vitamin B present in tomatoes help to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, too. This is beneficial in preventing strokes and other coronary heart diseases. Lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes is excellent for fighting against cancer. Lycopene also prevents the formation of cancerous cells in the body. Cooked tomatoes are said to contain more lycopene than raw ones. So have tomato soup regularly We like to stress here the Lycopene properties in relation to Anti Ageing. Lycopene Lycopene is a bright red carotene and carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables, such as red carrots, watermelons and papayas (but not strawberries or cherries). Although lycopene is chemically a carotene, it has no vitamin A activity. Lycopene may be the most powerful carotenoid quencher of singlet oxygen, being 100 times more efficient in test tube studies of singlet-oxygen quenching action than vitamin E, which in turn has 125 times the quenching action of glutathione (water soluble). Singlet oxygen produced during exposure to ultraviolet light is a primary cause of skin aging. Given its antioxidant properties, substantial scientific and clinical research has been devoted to a possible correlation between lycopene consumption and general health. Early research suggested some amelioration of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and even male infertility. There have been several studies produced that analyze the anti-cancer properties of lycopene, although research has been primarily inconclusive. Evidence for lycopene’s benefit was strongest for cancers of the lung, stomach, and prostate gland. Lycopene is not modified to vitamin A in the body so can be accessible for other benefits such as antioxidation. Lycopene is also the most efficient oxygen and free radicals quencher and is the prime carotenoid in plasma and other tissues. To maintain healthy bones, include tomatoes regularly in your daily diet as they contain vitamin K and calcium. Smokers rejoice! Tomatoes help in reducing the damage done to your body by smoking. Chlorogenic and coumaric acid help fight against the carcinogens due to smoking. |