Often considered a vegetable for its culinary uses, the tomato is actually a fruit and its importance in the human diet is simply undeniable. Not only does it provide a wide variety of vitamins and minerals , but it also contains valuable phytochemicals that support our overall health in several remarkable ways.
The abundant vitamins in tomatoes
Tomatoes are particularly rich in Vitamin C. A single medium tomato can provide around 40% of your daily needs of this vital vitamin. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects our bodies against free radical damage and boosts our immune system.
Tomatoes are an excellent source of B vitamins , including vitamin B6 and niacin. These vitamins play a crucial role in energy production and nervous system health. Not to mention the fact that tomatoes are a very interesting source of Vitamin E , another antioxidant that protects our cells and maintains the health of our skin.
Tomatoes are also a source of provitamin A , or beta-carotene, which is transformed into vitamin A in our body. Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes and skin, and helps strengthen our immune system.
It is especially worth noting the abundance of lycopene in this fruit. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red color. Lycopene and vitamin C in particular have been shown to increase in plasma and lymphocytes after tomato ingestion, leading to effects on cellular antioxidant protection.
How do tomatoes boost our immunity?
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming tomatoes actually increases the resistance of lymphocyte DNA to oxidative damage. This means that by eating tomatoes regularly, you can help your immune cells stay strong and functional, which is essential for fending off infections and maintaining good health.
Another study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry indicates that consuming a tomato-based beverage has an effect on markers of inflammation, immunomodulation and oxidative stress. In other words, including tomatoes in your diet could help you control your inflammatory response and maintain a healthy oxidant/antioxidant balance.
Tomatoes are also an excellent source of vitamin C. This essential vitamin plays a crucial role in strengthening our immunity by stimulating the production of our white blood cells, the 'guardians of our health'. A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that concentrations of lycopene and vitamin C increase in plasma and lymphocytes after consuming tomatoes. So it’s clear that tomatoes are a fantastic source of antioxidants that your body can use to protect itself against disease.
Tomato: an ally for skin health
Tomatoes are an essential ally for the health of our skin . Not only does it provide optimal hydration, but it also helps protect the skin from sun damage and premature aging.
One of the most important components of tomatoes that contribute to their wealth of benefits for the skin is lycopene . This carotenoid pigment which gives the tomato its bright red color has been the subject of numerous studies. A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2011 showed that consuming tomato paste rich in lycopene helps protect against skin damage caused by sun exposure.
Lycopene is also a powerful antioxidant . It helps neutralize free radicals in the body, thereby reducing oxidative stress that can damage skin cells and lead to signs of premature aging such as wrinkles and age spots.
