See How Eating Tomatoes Can Keep You Young

Forum 8 years ago

See How Eating Tomatoes Can Keep You Young

When most people think of tomatoes they think of pasta and pizza, not necessarily their ability to keep people looking and feeling pretty much younger than they really are. But tomatoes are an anti-ageing super food that deserves a place in the diet of anyone interested in maintaining healthy skin, preventing age-related diseases like osteoporosis, and to cap it all in preventing cancer.

The picture above spells out many importance of tomatoes in our meal but I will take time to elucidate on some of these points. The entire article will centre around a very important element in tomatoes which is the lycopene, read on and be educated;

1. Healthy Skin:
Lycopene found in tomatoes is one of the compounds known collectively as carotenoids. A large volume of research has shown for decades that carotenoids help protect skin against sun damage. thus the consumption of tomatoes helps maintain good skin despite the harsh sun, thus a younger skin outlined is maintained.

1.Reduced Risk Of Developing Cancer:
The incidence and risk for most types of cancer tends to increase with age. Research in the CMAJ: the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that the risk of serious chronic diseases like cancer is reduced with increased tomato consumption. Although lycopene has been credited, the scientists found that other nutrients in tomatoes may play a role.

Tomatoes with a dish of tomato paste garnished with basil, over white background.

1. Anti-Bacterial Properties:
Lycopene, widely considered the most potent antioxidant of the carotenoids, is a powerful antioxidant that not only protects against UV damage it also helps protect against damaging bacteria, thus protecting the skin from various bacterial infections.

1. Prevents Wrinkling:
Lycopene also strengthens the skin by inhibiting the activity of collagenases, the enzymes involved in the breakdown of collagen in the skin. Collagen helps ensure the firmness and elasticity
of your skin and prevents wrinkling.

1. Lowers Risk Of Chronic Diseases:
When scientists analysed the tissue and blood levels of lycopene in randomly selected subjects, they found that those people with high levels of this nutrient called lycopene, primarily found in tomatoes in the Western diet, had a lower risk of chronic diseases.

1. Healthy Teeth and Gums:
Lycopene found in tomatoes keeps your teeth and gums healthy. In studies it has shown antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and, specifically aided tooth and gum health especially in individuals that do not brush twice daily.

1. Prevents Aflatoxicosis:
Thanks again to their rich lycopene supply, tomatoes can help protect our bodies against the effects of toxins, especially aflatoxins (a type of mould often found in peanuts and peanut butter) and cadmium, which is found in cigarette smoke, second-hand smoke and frequently in air pollution.

2. Improved Cardiovascular Health:
Numerous studies show that lycopene can assist with cardiovascular health. Heart disease is often attributed to poor diet and ageing. Increased lycopene consumption helps to improve heart health and obviously helps to displace less healthy food choices in the diet.

Having said all the above about tomatoes I believe you all will agree with me that especially with the numerous benefits of lycopene tomatoes should be considered as an important part of our daily diet.