11 reasons why you should eat tomatoes

Some people claim that tomatoes should be cooked to maximize their nutritional value. However, this is not entirely true.

Although lycopene is best absorbed from cooked tomatoes, vitamin C and other enzymes found in tomatoes are better absorbed when consumed fresh. Simply adding a little olive oil to fresh tomatoes can significantly increase lycopene absorption. Eating tomatoes raw ensures optimal nutrient absorption. Cooked tomatoes are best enjoyed in soups, stews, and curries, while fresh tomatoes are preferred in salads, sandwiches, and salsa.

For best results, you should eat a variety of tomatoes of different colors.

Studies have also shown that the lycopene in yellow and orange tomatoes is absorbed better than in red tomatoes. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy red tomatoes, however, eating a variety of tomatoes is recommended for the best results.

If tomatoes aren't your favorite food, here are 11 reasons why you should start paying attention to them.

1. Reduces the risk of breast cancer.

Tomatoes contain a group of plant-derived nutrients called carotenoids. You may have heard of beta-carotene and lycopene, but there are others as well. In one study...Journal of the National Cancer InstituteThe high carotenoid content in tomatoes, including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and total carotenoids, may reduce the risk of breast cancer.

2. Good for diabetic patients.

According to a new study in the journal.Cell Biochemistry and BiophysicsScientists induced diabetes in animals and fed some lycopene while others were given a typical diet without lycopene. The biochemical systems of the animals on the lycopene-rich diet returned to normal, while the others maintained diabetic levels. This research offers hope that lycopene, found in tomatoes, may help restore biochemical balance in diabetic patients.

3. Preventing stroke

New research published inHarvard Health LetterStudies show that the high lycopene content in tomatoes may help prevent strokes.

4. Reduces the risk of heart disease.

Other studies also suggest that lycopene, found in tomatoes, when consumed regularly, may reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 29%. Fresh tomatoes and tomato extracts have been shown to lower cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and prevent platelet aggregation—a factor in atherosclerosis.

5. Fights prostate and colon cancer.

The important phytonutrient found in tomatoes, lycopene, has also been shown to have anti-aging and anti-cancer effects. Lycopene has been shown to be particularly effective in fighting prostate and colon cancer.

6. Protecting the body from the aftereffects of illness.

Lycopene found in tomatoes even protects our genetic material from the effects of disease.

7. Effective fat burning

Tomatoes also stimulate the production of the amino acid carnitine, which helps increase the rate of fat burning in the body by more than 30%.

8. Boost the immune system

With its abundant supply of vitamin C, tomatoes can help keep the immune system healthy.

9. Reduce osteoporosis

A deficiency of lycopene in the diets of postmenopausal women has been linked to osteoporosis.

10. Improve eyesight

As a source of phytonutrients such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, tomatoes may help improve vision and protect the eyes from degeneration.

11. Easy to prepare delicious dishes.

Tomatoes are also delicious and can be used in many different dishes. We can use tomatoes to cook pasta, salads, curries, and many other tasty meals.

According to VnExpress - PC