The health benefits of tomatoes: Why you should eat them daily

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

Tomatoes are vegetables that deserve a special place in our diet. They are extremely healthy, rich in vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, which have a beneficial effect on our health. But what happens when we start consuming them regularly? This question is answered by nutrition specialist, Dr Marek Skoczylas.

Vegetables, especially tomatoes, have the ability to protect our bodies from the development of various types of cancers. Why are tomatoes so healthy and have so many benefits for our health? The key is lycopene.

An adequate amount of lycopene in our body prevents the onset of macular degeneration. It also supports brain function, improving cognitive abilities among other things. This is especially important for elderly people.

Eating tomatoes daily can bring unexpected benefits. These vegetables positively affect the cardiovascular system. They contain potassium, vitamin A, and B vitamins, which help normalise blood pressure. Potassium helps excrete excess sodium from the body and reduces the tension of blood vessel walls. Both of these mechanisms help 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 neutralise free radicals that form during smoking. Additionally, they provide vitamin C, which smokers particularly need. Tomatoes can significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer – by up to 40 per cent. They also reduce the likelihood of metastases. But that's not the only reason why men should reach for these vegetables more often. Lycopene has a positive effect on male fertility, improving sperm quality.

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

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

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

The best way to consume tomatoes is to cook them. This way, we provide ourselves with the right amounts of lycopene. During cooking, the cell walls of the tomatoes break down, releasing the lycopene and making it easier for our body to absorb. For example, we can prepare a lycopene drink, make spaghetti sauce, or simply bake tomatoes.