6 Extraordinary Benefits of Tomatoes, from Preventing Cancer to Depression

Many people think that tomatoes are part of vegetables, but in fact tomatoes are included in the category of fruits. This reddish orange fruit has many benefits for the body, both for health and beauty. The content of a natural antioxidant called lycopene (lycopene) can help combat the effects of cancer-causing free radicals. Other antioxidants found in tomatoes are polyphenols, naringenin and chlorogenic acid. In addition, tomatoes are low in calories and fat, but are rich in carotenoids, lutein, sugar, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and potassium.

So here are the benefits of tomatoes that you need to know:

1. Prevent cancer Quoted from Alodokter.com, the content of lycopene, carotenoids and polyphenols present in tomatoes can help prevent DNA damage in cells due to free radicals that can cause cancer. Therefore, the benefits of tomatoes are thought to play a role in preventing various dangerous cancers, such as prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach, mouth, lungs, breast and bladder. However, this assumption still requires further evidence and research because various studies conducted so far still show inconsistent data.

2. Reduces high blood pressure Research shows that consumption of tomatoes and reducing salt intake in a daily diet can reduce blood pressure in people with mild high blood pressure.

3. Maintain healthy skin According to one study, lycopene is thought to be able to improve the skin's ability to protect itself from exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and help keep skin looking youthful. In addition, the content of vitamin C in tomatoes also functions as a collagen and antioxidant stimulant that helps prevent skin damage by sunlight, pollution and smoke. Tomatoes also help in preventing fine wrinkles and improving overall skin texture.

4. Maintain body weight Tomatoes are low in calories, carbohydrates and fat, but are rich in other nutrients that have benefits in maintaining weight. Quoted from nakita.grid.id, eating tomatoes is suitable for someone who wants to lose weight or keep weight off. Because the various nutritional content in tomatoes can meet the nutritional needs during the diet.

5. Prevents depression The benefits of tomatoes from their nutritional content are also thought to play a role in reducing the risk of depression. Research shows that the elderly who eat tomatoes every week are less likely to experience depression. However, the effect of this tomato still needs to be studied further.

6. Prevent pregnancy problems Preeclampsia (pregnancy poisoning) is a pregnancy complication that is often experienced by pregnant women. There is a disturbance in the development of the placenta and an increase in blood pressure is predicted as a cause of preeclampsia. Interestingly, 164.9 mg of potassium contained in 100 grams of tomatoes is believed to increase blood flow, while reducing pressure on the heart. As a result, high blood pressure can be more stable slowly. On the other hand, the benefits of tomatoes for other pregnant women are able to prevent the risk of neural tube defects (anencephaly) and spinal cord defects when newborns.