These summer beauties have been known to have health benefits since ancient times. Besides containing antioxidants that fight cancer-causing free radicals, tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. A single tomato can provide about 40% of the daily-recommended vitamin C. They are also full of potassium, known to help reduce the risk of hypertension, Iron, the mineral critical in healthy blood and vitamin A, which fights against night blindness and macular degeneration.
And tomatoes can even help protect against the damage of the summer sun! Consuming more lycopene—the carotenoid that makes tomatoes red—may protect your skin from sunburn. In one study, participants who were exposed to UV light had almost 50% less skin reddening after they ate 2½ tablespoons of tomato paste (or drank about 1⅔ cups of carrot juice daily), in addition to their regular diet, for 10 to 12 weeks. Supplements, however, weren’t as effective: in the same study, those who received a lycopene supplement or synthetic lycopene weren’t significantly protected against sunburn. Enjoy tomatoes for all of their summer strengths!
Resources:
EatingWell.com
Organicfacts.net