9 Surprising Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes! They're sweet, juicy, and delicious. Everyone knows they are good for you, right? Uh, yeah, sure.Does everyone know specifically why tomatoes are a healthful food? Ummm ... They have vitamin C? They're low in calories? They're fat-free? Yes, yes, and yes, but that's not all!

Let's look at what makes the tomato an excellent healthy choice.

Tomatoes 101

One serving of red, ripe, raw tomatoes (one cup or 150 grams) is a good source of Vitamins A, C, K, folate and potassium. Tomatoes are naturally low in sodium, saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories. Tomatoes also Provide thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Copper, all of which ARE necessary for good Health .

On top of that, one serving of tomatoes gives you 2 grams of fiber, which is 7% of the daily recommended amount. Tomatoes also have a relatively high water content, which makes them a filling food. In general eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, confers protection against high blood pressure, high cholesterol, strokes, and heart disease.

Healthy Skin

Tomatoes make your skin look great. Beta-carotene, also found in carrots and sweet potatoes, helps protect skin against sun damage. Tomatoes' lycopene also makes skin less sensitive to UV light damage, a leading cause of fine lines and wrinkles.

Strong Bones

Tomatoes build strong bones.The vitamin K and calcium in tomatoes are both very good for strengthening and repairing bones.

Lycopene also has been shown to improve bone mass, which is a great way to fight osteoporosis.