Are you on a weight-loss mission? Eat tomatoes every day

Recent research says that lycopene in tomatoes may reduce your cancer risk while general wisdom in the field of nutrition reveals that this luscious red vegetable can help you shed those extra kilos. Read on to know more about the health benefits of tomatoes.

Tomatoes are jam-packed with folate, thiamine and vitamins A, C, K, and B6. Moreover, they also contain potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper, along with dietary fibre and protein. According to a study published in the journal Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, lycopene, which is a non-provitamin A carotenoid and responsible for the red pigment of tomatoes, may reduce your risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, this vegetable can help you reach your weight-loss goals as well. Here are six reasons for including tomatoes in your meals.

1: They can help you melt your fat

You will be surprised to know that eating tomatoes can help you grill your fat. Tomatoes are known to encourage the production of the amino acid known as carnitine, which improves your body s fat burning ability.

2: They can enhance your immunity

"Tomato seeds and flesh contain immunity-boosting agents. Those seeds are excellent sources of the antioxidant lycopene and beta-carotene which can help you keep various health ailments like common cold at bay," says Ankita Ghag, Clinical Dietician, InBody India.

3: They can help you manage your blood pressure

Eating a tomato daily may cut down your of hypertension or high blood pressure, courtesy, the high levels of potassium present in these veggies. "Potassium acts as a vasodilator (a medicine used to dilate blood vessels), that reduces the tension in your blood vessels and arteries. This, in turn, increases your blood circulation and reduces the stress on your heart," explains Ghag. Moreover, they can be useful in regulating your heart rate. "However, you shouldn't go overboard. Being acidic in nature, tomatoes can cause heartburn. Talk to your doctor for suggestion on the right quantity," says Ghag.

4: They can help you enhance your vision

"Tomatoes are jam-packed with vitamin A and can help you keep your vision intact," points out Ghag. Many vision problems like macular degeneration (it is the leading cause of severe, irreversible vision loss in people over 60), occur due to the negative effects of free radicals. But, vitamin A being a powerful antioxidant, can help prevent free radical damage.

5: They can aid your digestion

Tomatoes can help keep your digestive system healthy by preventing constipation, thanks to its high fibre content. Fibre regulates your bowel movements, reducing your chance of constipation and improving your overall digestive health.

6: They can help you manage cholesterol levels

The high fibre-content of of tomatoes is known to reduce the cholesterol load of your body. Furthermore, tomato seeds are loaded with niacin (vitamin B3), which is also helpful in bringing down cholesterol levels.