IMPORTANCE OF TOMATOES,CUT RISK OF HEART DISEASE BY 26%

Whether you refer to a tomato as a fruit or a vegetable, there is no doubt that a tomato is a nutrient-dense, super-food that most people should be eating more of Tomatoes prevents chronic disease and delivers

other health benefits, due to beneficial
phytochemicals such as lycopene. Tomatoes are packed full of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants and are a rich source of vitamins A and C and folic acid.

The benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds, including tomatoes, are infinite. As plant food consumption goes up, the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer goes down. High fruit and vegetable intake is also associated with healthy skin and hair, increased energy and lower weight.

Increasing consumption of fruits
and vegetables significantly decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality.

Cancer: As an excellent source of the strong
antioxidant vitamin C and other antioxidants, tomatoes help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer.

Prostate Cancer: Lycopene has been linked with prostate cancer prevention in several studies. "There's very good, strong, epidemiological support for increased consumption of tomato products and lower incidence of prostate cancer. Among younger men, diets rich in beta-carotene
may play a protective role against prostate
cancer.

Colorectal Cancer: Beta-carotene consumption has been shown to have an inverse association with the development of colon cancer in the Japanese population.
High fiber intakes from fruits and vegetables are associated with a lowered risk of colorectal cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, some studies have shown that people who have diets rich in tomatoes may have a lower risk of certain
types of cancer, especially cancers of the
prostate, lung, and stomach.

Blood pressure: Maintaining a low sodium intake is essential to lowering blood pressure, however increasing potassium intake may be just as important because of its vasodilation effects.
Also of note, a high potassium intake is associated with a 20 percent decreased risk of dying from all causes.

Heart health: The fiber, potassium, vitamin C and choline content in tomatoes all support heart health. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.
High potassium intakes are also associated witha reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation of kidney stones.

Diabetes: Studies have shown that type 1
diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have
lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One cup of cherry tomatoes provides about 2 grams of fiber.

Skin: Collagen, the skins support system, is reliant on vitamin C as an essential nutrient that works in our bodies as an antioxidant to help prevent damage caused by the sun, pollution and smoke, smooth wrinkles and improve overall skin texture.

Constipation: Eating foods that are high in water content and fiber like tomatoes can help to keep you hydrated and your bowel movements regular.
Fiber is essential for minimizing constipation andadding bulk to the stool.

Pregnancy: Adequate folic acid intake is essential for pregnant women to protect against neural tube defects in infants.

Depression: The folic acid in tomatoes may also help with depression by preventing an excess of homocysteine from forming in the body, which can prevent blood and other nutrients from reaching the brain. Excess homocysteine interferes with the production of the feel-good hormones serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate not only mood, but sleep and appetite as well.