[wcc_switcher]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Health Benefits

Easy Print
  • 1 year ago
  • 3Minutes
  • 948Words
  • 372Views

Health Benefits

Bowel Cancer

The beneficial effect of raw tomatoes in the population tested may be partly due to the fact that they constitute perhaps the most specific feature of the Mediterranean diet. After allowance for age, sex, education, smoking and drinking level, and total caloric intake, there was a consistent pattern of protection for gastrointestinal cancers. (5)

Blood Lipid and Cholesterol

A diet high in tomatoes has been shown to help control LDL cholesterol. In one 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative study, the intake of high-lycopene semidried tomato, reduced LDL-C and was confirmed to be safe at a dosage of 200 g/day (as raw tomato). Tomato is an important component of the diet worldwide, and our findings support the health benefits, especially with respect to lipid metabolism, of consuming tomatoes rich in lycopene. (8)

Cardiovascular

Lycopene may improve vascular function and contributes to the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disorders. The main activity profile of lycopene includes antiatherosclerotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antiplatelet, anti-apoptotic, and protective endothelial effects, the ability to improve the metabolic profile and reduce arterial stiffness. (7)

Cognitive Decline (Dementia)

In one study plasma lycopene was analysed among 173 participants, and associations were examined between baseline blood levels of these circulating nutrients and development of dementia across 11 years. Dementia diagnosis was based on International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)-10 criteria. (9)

Prostate Cancer

Data demonstrates that higher lycopene consumption/circulating concentration is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Analysis indicates a significant linear dose/response association between lycopene intake and prostate cancer risk. (1)

Radiation Damage

Numerous in vitro and animal studies showed that Lycopene may provide protection against damages induced by ionizing radiation. It suggests that supplementation of Lycopene might be useful in diminishing the negative effect of cancer radiotherapy or in mitigating the effects of possible radiation accidents on human health. (3)

Weight loss

Results show that daily tomato juice supplementation reduces waist circumference, as well as serum cholesterol and inflammatory adipokine levels in young healthy women. (2) Results from another study suggest that tomato juice reduces oxidative stress in overweight (and possibly obese) females and, therefore, may prevent damage from obesity-related diseases and promote health. (4)

Conclusion

Tomato juice anyone? How about tomato soup tonight? It’s so inspiring when you study the beneficial effects of simple everyday fruits and vegetables. All we need is provided by nature, right there in the food and the herbs around us.

Lycopene is actually more available in cooked tomatoes, especially when combined with olive oil. (6)

Try these recipes:

More To Explore

Cabbage Health Benefits

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) Health Benfits

2 days ago4Minutes1252Words8ViewsCabbage, a cruciferous vegetable, offers numerous gut health benefits, largely due to its rich nutritional profile. It provides dietary fiber, antioxidants, and important vitamins that contribute to maintaining a healthy digestive system. Here’s an overview of the key gut health benefits of cabbage, along with the role of glutamine: 1. Rich in Dietary Fiber Cabbage is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber plays a crucial role in supporting gut health by: Promoting healthy digestion: Insoluble fiber helps bulk up stool and move it through the intestines, preventing constipation and ensuring regular bowel movements. Supporting beneficial gut bacteria: Soluble fiber is fermented by gut bacteria, which produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate. These SCFAs fuel the cells of the colon, promoting a healthy gut lining and reducing inflammation. 2. Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Properties Cabbage contains antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress in the gut. This is important because chronic inflammation in the gut can lead to digestive disorders like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Cabbage’s anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the gut lining and maintain a healthy gut environment. 3. Supports Gut Lining and Mucosal Health Cabbage, especially when consumed in its raw form, contains glutamine, an amino acid that has been shown to support gut health. Glutamine is essential for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal lining. It helps to: Repair the gut lining: Glutamine supports the epithelial cells of the intestines, aiding in their repair and regeneration. This is especially important for those with leaky gut syndrome or those suffering from inflammation-related digestive disorders. Enhance gut permeability: Glutamine aids in maintaining the balance of the gut’s permeability, ensuring that nutrients pass through properly while preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. 4. Helps in Digestive Enzyme Production Cabbage contains a significant amount of vitamin U (also known as S-methylmethionine), which can help boost the production of digestive enzymes. These enzymes aid in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, which is vital for optimal digestive health. 5. Supports Detoxification Cabbage, particularly the variety known as sauerkraut, supports detoxification through its high content of glucosinolate compounds. These compounds help activate detoxifying enzymes in the liver, which supports the overall health of the digestive system by helping the body eliminate waste more efficiently. Role of Glutamine in Gut Health from Cabbage: Cabbage as a Glutamine Source: While glutamine is found in various foods, including meat, fish, and dairy, cabbage is one of the plant-based sources that can contribute to its intake. Glutamine in cabbage supports gut cells and helps to maintain a healthy mucosal layer in the intestines. This, in turn, protects the gut from irritants and helps heal the gut lining after it has been damaged by inflammation or stress. Intestinal Health: Glutamine is the preferred fuel for intestinal cells (enterocytes), which helps maintain the integrity of the gut barrier. This function is critical for individuals suffering from gut disorders like IBS, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis, as glutamine helps reduce gut permeability and improve overall digestive function. Conclusion Including cabbage in your diet, whether raw, cooked, or fermented, offers numerous benefits for gut health. It provides dietary fiber, antioxidants, and glutamine, which help support healthy digestion, reduce inflammation, repair the gut lining, and maintain optimal gut barrier function. This makes cabbage a powerful ally for anyone looking to improve their digestive health naturally. Would you like more information on how to incorporate cabbage into your diet for gut health, or perhaps explore additional glutamine-rich foods? Try this Recipe:Mung Bean Coleslaw 10% Off BodiClenz – Ultimate Herbal DETOX Drink $152.10 – $259.00 View Info 10% Off Ultimate Herbal DETOX Body Cleanse Program $195.75 – $197.10 View Info Digezaid Digestive Support 120 Capsules $59.00 View Info 10% Off BodiTune Detox n Slim 500g or 1kg Pot $116.10 – $197.10 View Info No products found

Using Heat To Encourage Detoxification

Super Hot Winter Detox

The balance between our inner and outer environments play a major role when considering health from the holisitc standpoint, and can be why we become more susceptible to certain ailments at different times of year.
Let’s explore some of the key reasons to use heat as part of a mid-winter detox.