Tomatoes are loaded with health-promoting vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant components.
Even more, research reveals that these minerals may protect against a variety of ailments, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Consequently, tomato soup may be an appetizing approach to maximize the health advantages of tomatoes. During sweater time, you may taste a thick, warm cup of soup, and in the summer, a cool gazpacho.
The following are eight scientific benefits of tomato soup.
1. Highly nutritious
Tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicum) have very few calories but an abundance of nutrients and useful plant chemicals.
Here is the nutritional composition of one big, raw tomato (182 grams):
- Calories: 33
- Carbs: 7 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 1.6 grams
- Fat: 0.4 grams
- Vitamin C: 28% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin K: 12% of the DV
- Vitamin A: 8% of the DV
- Potassium: 9% of the DV
Tomatoes are especially rich in carotenoids, particularly lycopene, giving around 80% of the daily requirement.
Lycopene is the pigment responsible for the distinctive red hue of tomatoes. Given its possible preventative influence on a variety of chronic illnesses, it may also account for many of its health advantages.
Interestingly, research indicates that lycopene is better absorbed by the body when it is cooked. The rate of bioavailability or absorption may be enhanced by heat.
Tomato soup is a great source of this chemical since it is made with cooked tomatoes.
Low in calories and abundant in potassium and vitamins C, K, and A, tomato soup is also low in fat. It is also rich in lycopene, the chemical responsible for the majority of tomatoes’ health benefits.
2. Rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that counteract the negative effects of oxidative stress. This occurs when free radicals, which are chemicals that damage cells, build in the body.
Tomato soup is rich in antioxidants, including lycopene, flavonoids, and vitamins C and E, among others.
A decreased risk of cancer and inflammation-related disorders, such as obesity and heart disease, has been associated with antioxidant use.
In addition, research indicates that the antioxidant properties of vitamin C and flavonoids may protect against type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders.
Vitamin E augments vitamin C’s antioxidant properties.
Tomato soup is an excellent method to get the benefits of tomatoes’ antioxidant capability. They are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, flavonoids, vitamins C and E, and others.
3. May have cancer-fighting properties
Due to the high lycopene content in tomatoes, their cancer-fighting qualities are the subject of much research. They may be particularly beneficial against breast and prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the fifth greatest cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and the second most often diagnosed malignancy among males.
Multiple studies have established a clear correlation between increased lycopene consumption, particularly from cooked tomatoes, and a decreased risk of prostate cancer.
Research indicates that lycopene may promote the death of cancer cells. It may also inhibit tumor development by anti-angiogenesis.
A higher intake of carotenoids is associated with a 28% lower risk of developing breast cancer. Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lycopene are examples of these carotenoids.
Although these results are encouraging, data shows that lycopene is not strong enough to be used as a standalone anticancer medication.
According to research, the antioxidant activity of lycopene may potentially interfere with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
The presence of lycopene and other carotenoids in tomato soup may lessen the incidence of prostate and breast cancer. The impact of cooked tomatoes appears to be more strong than that of raw tomatoes.
4. Promotes healthy skin and vision
Tomato soup may also be beneficial for your eyes and skin.
In terms of skin health, beta carotene and lycopene may protect against sunburn by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light, hence enhancing the skin’s resistance to UV-induced damage.
In one study, 149 healthy people were given a supplement containing 15 mg of lycopene, 0.8 mg of beta carotene, and various other antioxidants.
The study revealed that the supplement greatly protected the skin of individuals from UV damage.
Despite the fact that research indicates this has some benefits for your skin, you should not modify your usual sun protection skin care program.
Rich in carotenoids and vitamin A, foods like tomatoes may also aid eye health.
Tomato consumption has been connected with a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration, or age-related vision loss.
Again, their protective impact appears to be a result of their antioxidant qualities, which lower oxidative stress in the macula, a crucial area of the eye.
Additionally, the body transforms beta-carotene into retinol, a substance that is crucial for eyesight.
Tomatoes include antioxidants that may protect the skin from sunburn and reduce the incidence of age-related eyesight loss.
5. Improves bone health
Chronic osteoporosis is characterized by increased bone fragility and fracture risk. It is considered one of the most significant postmenopausal problems.
According to studies, lycopene regulates bone metabolism by increasing bone mineral density, hence decreasing the risk of fracture.
Other components of bone metabolism involve the equilibrium between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Osteoblasts are responsible for bone formation, whereas osteoclasts are responsible for bone resorption and disintegration.
Studies on animals indicate that lycopene regulates bone metabolism by boosting osteoblast activity to create bones and decreasing osteoclast activity to degrade bones.
Tomatoes’ lycopene may contribute to stronger bones and a reduced incidence of fractures.
6. May reduce the risk of heart disease
High consumption of tomato products may lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, two key cardiovascular disease risk factors. These effects may be attributable to the lycopene and vitamin C levels of tomatoes.
Both lycopene and vitamin C inhibit LDL cholesterol oxidation. LDL cholesterol oxidation is a risk factor for atherosclerosis.
Additionally, lycopene reduces cholesterol absorption in the intestines and enhances HDL (good) cholesterol activity in the body.
Additionally, tomato carotenoids may help reduce blood pressure. Heart disease is a risk factor for hypertension.
Due to its carotenoids and vitamin C concentration, tomato soup may help lower various risk factors for heart disease.
7. May enhance male fertility
Oxidative stress is a significant contributor to male infertility. It can induce sperm destruction, resulting in diminished viability and motility.
According to research, lycopene supplements may be an effective fertility therapy. The antioxidant qualities of lycopene may boost the likelihood of creating a greater number of healthy sperm.
Consuming commercial tomato products, such as tomato juice or soup, significantly boosted blood lycopene levels, resulting in better sperm motility, according to research involving 44 men with infertility.
In addition, one animal research revealed that lycopene may prevent radiation therapy-induced damage. This injury is frequently shown by a diminished sperm count.
Lycopene in tomato soup may increase sperm parameters linked to male fertility.
8. Boosts immunity
Some cultures treat the common cold with tomato soup. In fact, the vitamin C and carotenoid concentration of this fruit may boost your immune system.
Additionally, research indicates that vitamin C may help prevent the common cold and minimize its length and intensity.
Due to its carotenoid and vitamin C content, a warm bowl of tomato soup may aid in recovery when you are feeling under the weather.
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