The tomato is one of the most consumed foods in the world. It’s found in salads, sauces, stews, and a wide variety of everyday dishes. Yet, what many people don’t know is that this seemingly simple food can have very interesting effects on the body when consumed regularly.
In recent years, several specialists have studied the influence of certain compounds present in tomatoes on health . Some of these effects have even surprised health professionals.
We explain below what happens in the body when tomatoes are part of the daily diet.
The compound that makes tomatoes so special
One of the most studied components of tomatoes is lycopene, a powerful natural antioxidant that gives them their characteristic red color.
Lycopene helps fight free radical damage in the body, which can help protect cells from premature aging and various inflammatory processes.
It is interesting to note that this compound is more easily absorbed when tomatoes are cooked , especially in preparations such as tomato sauce or sautéed tomatoes.
An ally of the heart
One of the effects most frequently mentioned by specialists is its potential positive impact on cardiovascular health.
Regular consumption of tomatoes can help:
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