The juicy and plump red fruit we often use as an ingredient in cooking or as part of a salad is not only delectable but also extremely nutritious, and now considered as a super food. Tomatoes are a rich source of several vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and compounds that are linked to a lot of health benefits. One of its most important antioxidants is what gives tomatoes the deep red color namely lycopene, which is known to ward off many ailments and even present cancer-fighting benefits.
Drinking tomato juice on a daily basis promotes good health inside and out. It is always better to choose organic and make the juice yourself instead of buying ones in bottles as they may contain chemicals and other substances.
If you still find yourself doubting, here are the benefits of drinking tomato juice:
Does Tomato Juice Reduce Risk of Cancer
The rich amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in tomatoes are noted to have powerful cancer-fighting abilities.
Many studies have shown that lycopene fights of different kinds of cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
Alpha-tomatine, one of tomato’s key nutrients, prevents development of prostate cancer cells by altering its metabolic activity. It can also trigger apoptosis, or cell death, to the fully formed cancer cells.
Tomato Juice for Heart/Cardiovascular Health
Tomato’s folate, potassium, and vitamin B3 and B6 contents break down homocystene, a compound responsible for damaging blood vessels that causes heart disease, into other molecules that pose no harm to the body.
Its fiber content also helps in the reduction of the bad LDL cholesterols, and other phytonutrients prevent unwanted blood clots and blood vessel blockages.
A research from the University of Cambridge revealed that lycopene improves the function of blood vessels and also widens them, which then leads to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and a lower blood pressure.
Does Tomato Juice Help Improve Bowel Health, Digestion, and Elimination
Fiber found in tomatoes help ensure proper digestion, a healthier liver, regular bowel movement, and prevention of constipation, diarrhea, and gall and kidney stones.
When mixed with spinach juice, the effects of tomato juice on the digestive system are significantly augmented.
Lycopene reduces the development of colorectal adenomas, which eventually lead to colon cancer.
The potassium and water content found in the fruit regulates intestinal waste consistency and provides the intestines with enough fluid for a smoother bowel movement.
Tomatoes are abundant in chlorine and sulfur. Chlorine helps maintain the proper function of the kidneys and the liver, while sulfur protects the two vital organs from infection. As they are responsible for eliminating the accumulated toxins in the body, a glass of tomato juice taken regularly ensures detoxification.
Will Tomato Juice Make You See Better?
The retinas rely on vitamin A in processing visual information and sending it to your brain. Low levels of the vitamin can lead to many eye problems including blindness. Fortunately tomatoes have over a thousand international units of vitamin A.
Risk of macular degeneration due to age is lowered thanks to the lutein and zeaxanthin found in tomatoes. These said nutrients help your eyes filter light and block out harmful blue light rays.
A study published in 2011 on the journal “Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science” discovered that people who have a regular intake of lycopene are less prone to age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases.
Copper helps enrich the body’s melanin, which is also found to be responsible for our eye color. Also, although not yet fully determined, vitamin C prevents the development of cataracts due to aging. Both copper and vitamin C are present in tomatoes.
Get Healthier Hair and Skin with Tomato Juice
Tomato juice makes hair healthier, shinier, and stronger due to the abundance of vitamin K present in the fruit. It also positively affects hair growth.
Studies show that a consistent serving of two glasses per day improved skin health, reduced acne, dark spots, and tan, and protected skin cells from damage.
Beta carotene found in tomatoes protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Vitamin C helps in the production of the protein collagen, which is responsible in forming a barrier on the skin that protects the body from pathogens.
Does Tomato Juice Make You Lose Weight?
Tomatoes have a high fiber and low sodium amount that keeps the body from feeling hungry and weak. The fiber also gives you a feeling of fullness and keeps you from binge eating.
Tomato juice has fewer calories compared to a sugar-packed soda and is also a recommended substitute.
Calcium, iron, and vitamin C makes you feel a lot better about yourself, leading to a lower chance of cheating on a diet.
The fruit improves the body’s production of carnitine, an amino acid responsible for turning fat into energy.
According to “The Doctor’s Book of Food Remedies” by Selene Yeager, food with acidic and sharp tastes (like tomato juice) overwhelms the taste buds and effectively reduces instances of cravings.
As water is abundant in tomatoes, a glass of tomato juice prior to eating a meal can help you eat less to alleviate the thirst that exacerbates hunger.
Get Rid of Free Radicals with Tomato Juice
Free radicals are feared by many for bringing a host of ailments and negative effects on the human body. A glass of tomato juice a day is good enough to provide your body with antioxidants that ward off free radicals.
Elimination of free radicals also makes you feel a lot more energetic and younger. Some even advise replacing the morning coffee with a glass of tomato juice for a better and healthier energy spike.
Strengthens the bones and teeth
Both vitamins A and C maintain the strength of our bones and teeth, much like what calcium does. A serving of tomato juice is packed with these said vitamins.
Vitamin K is regarded as an important vitamin in regards with bone health. The protein osteocalcin is dependent on vitamin K, and its chief function is to secure calcium inside the bones.
30 milligrams of lycopene, equivalent to two glasses of tomato juice, is found to be able to prevent brittle bone disease or osteoporosis.
Boosts the immune system
Our immune system plays an integral role in protecting us from diseases. The vitamins A and C, and copper are crucial in building up the body’s defenses. All three of these nutrients are found in tomatoes and in great amounts.
Vitamin A aids in the production of antibodies, or the proteins that neutralize pathogens. It also watches over the development and movement of immune system cells.
Vitamin C produces white blood cells which finds and attacks harmful agents in your body, and prevents the spread of unhealthy oxidative stress.
Copper boosts the response of white blood cells in the event of an infection. Low copper levels in the body weaken the immune system.
Helps in post-workout recovery
Many people resort to energy drinks after a rigorous workout for a quick boost. However, these drinks are usually made with unhealthy substances and are chock full of sugar. Several tests were conducted in Greece where athletes were divided into two groups, with the first group drank energy drinks, and the other tomato juice after exercise. On a period of two months, those who drank tomato juice reported quicker muscle recovery and their glucose levels went back to normal in a faster rate.
Bridget Rogers is an independent freelance writer based out of Madison, Wisconsin. Bridget's work can be found on a variety of sources in both online and print media.
