Cherry, Grape, Beefsteak, Roma, Heirloom. No matter which type of tomato you hold dear to your heart, all tomatoes have a wealth of nutritional benefits. Consuming tomatoes provides a combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, including hearty amounts of vitamins C, E and A. So why is this a love letter? Because one of tomato’s main benefits is its positive effect on the heart.
Something to really love about tomatoes is the fact that it contains the powerful antioxidant Lycopene. Higher blood levels of lycopene have been associated with reductions in cardiovascular disease risk. For example, intake of Lycopene has been shown to result in decreased total cholesterol – mainly decreased LDL cholesterol, which can contribute to the formation of plaque buildup in the arteries. In addition to Lycopene, tomatoes are chock full of heart-healthy potassium; the flow of potassium in and out of heart cells helps regulate your heartbeat.
Not only does Lycopene provide a plethora of health benefits, but it is the pigment principally responsible for giving tomatoes their luscious red color! Want to increase your intake of lovely, heart-healthy tomatoes? Try Souperb’s Tomato with Fennel Seeds; a tasty spin on a comforting classic that is full of fresh tomatoes.
