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Regardless of whether you think tomatoes are a fruit or a vegetable (they’re fruits, by the way), they provide an immense amount of vitamins and nutrients that are essential to healthy living. However, I don’t have to tell you that tomatoes are good for your body, you can see the positive physical effects yourself. Here are just a few ways that adding tomatoes to your diet will benefit you:
1. Prevent Sunburn
Tomatoes are incredibly rich in lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid found in red fruits and vegetables and is very effective at preventing sunburn and UV radiation damage to the skin. Several studies show that eating as much as 20 grams of tomato paste a day can reduce your chances of sunburn by as much as 33 percent. With summer being just around the corner, be sure to eat some tomatoes prior to laying out by the pool to help prevent your skin from burning.
2. Improve Your Eyesight
In addition to being delicious, tomatoes are rich in lutein. Lutein is the main carotenoid found in the retina, and by increasing your intake of it, you can help prevent eye degeneration diseases like night blindness.
3. Anti-Aging Properties
Tomatoes are a wonderful source of anti-oxidants. They are rich in Vitamin C and can help prevent wrinkles, age spots, and inflammation. By consuming a diet that is rich in Vitamin C early on in life, you can improve your chances of looking younger as you age.
4. Healthier Bones and Hair
There are tons of Vitamin A and K in tomatoes, which are excellent for strengthening your bones and improving your bone mass. Vitamin A is also going to help make your hair stronger and shinier.
5. Balanced Blood Sugar
If you have issues with maintaining a balanced blood sugar, tomatoes might be able to help. They are abundant in chromium which can help stabilize blood sugar levels, and make you feel better.
Tomatoes are a delicious addition to a healthy diet and a better body, so get your fix today!