Benefits of daily tomato consumption: From heart health to cancer prevention

They are turning red now in the gardens and have the most flavour in the summer. They are perfect as an addition to sandwiches, an ingredient in casseroles and salads, or simply a healthy snack.

Tomatoes are vegetables that deserve a special place in our diet. They are extremely healthy and rich in vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, that have a beneficial impact on our health. But what happens when we start consuming them regularly? Nutrition specialist Dr. Marek Skoczylas answers this question.

Vegetables, particularly tomatoes, can protect our bodies from the development of various types of cancer. Why are tomatoes so healthy and have so many health benefits? The key is lycopene.

An adequate amount of lycopene compounds in our body prevents macular degeneration. It also supports brain function and improves cognitive functions, among other things. This is particularly important for elderly people.

Consuming tomatoes daily can bring unexpected benefits. These vegetables positively affect the cardiovascular system, containing potassium, vitamin A, and B vitamins that help normalise blood pressure. Potassium helps expel excess sodium from the body and reduces tension in the blood vessel walls, both mechanisms helping lower blood pressure. Regular consumption of tomatoes also reduces the risk of blood clots.

Everyone who wants to take care of their health should include tomatoes in their diet.

- Lycopene enhances the breakdown of so-called bad cholesterol - says Dr. Skoczylas

If you are a smoker, you should include tomatoes in your diet. These vegetables neutralize free radicals that form during smoking. Additionally, they provide vitamin C, which smokers especially need. Tomatoes can significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer by up to 40 per cent. They also decrease the likelihood of metastasis. But that's not the only reason men should consume these vegetables more often. Lycopene has a positive effect on male fertility by improving semen quality.

People suffering from diabetes should frequently reach for tomatoes. They have a low glycemic index and help reduce the risk of complications related to this disease. They are also rich in fibre, which helps maintain proper blood glucose levels.

Tomatoes can also reduce the likelihood of stomach, mouth, pancreas, colon, breast, and cervix cancers. They are also effective tools in the fight against overweight. Additionally, tomatoes help strengthen bone structure.

Tomatoes also support liver function and reduce the risk of this organ's fatty degeneration. They also have a positive impact on our skin's appearance. Antioxidants contained in tomatoes prevent premature skin ageing. Using cosmetics with lycopene can brighten the skin.

The best way to consume tomatoes is through thermal processing. This way, we provide adequate amounts of lycopene. During baking, the cell walls of the tomatoes break, releasing lycopene, which makes it easier for our body to absorb. We can, for example, prepare a lycopene drink, make spaghetti sauce, or simply bake the tomatoes.