Here's Exactly What Happens to Your Body if You Eat Tomatoes Every Day

No matter the color—red, yellow, orange or green— tomatoes are everywhere right now. From salads and pizza to pastas and sandwiches, just about everything tastes better when topped with these fresh, juicy gems. It’s little wonder then that the average American eats about 31 pounds of fresh tomatoes and 73 pounds of processed tomatoes every year.

Long story short: It's possible that you're already eating tomatoes every day. If so, the great news is that tomatoes are not only delicious; they're also packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants . One whole (medium-sized) tomato contains just 22 calories but is rich in vitamin C, potassium, folate, vitamin K, beta-carotene and other nutrients. Let’s take a look at how consuming this tasty fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!) on a daily basis can impact your health .

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Tomatoes Every day

You'll boost your antioxidant intake

Eating tomatoes daily can significantly boost your antioxidant levels, particularly the powerful antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid that gives tomatoes their red color. It’s also found in other fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, apricots and papaya. Lycopene is known for its ability to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of certain chronic conditions. Regular consumption of tomatoes can lead to higher levels of lycopene in your bloodstream, offering enhanced protection against oxidative stress and some diseases.

Tomato-based foods contain some of the highest amounts of lycopene. For instance, a ½ cup of tomato puree has over 27,000 micrograms of lycopene, while a cup of canned tomato juice contains nearly 22,000 micrograms.

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You may reduce your risk of stroke

Multiple studies have found that eating tomatoes regularly can help reduce the risk of stroke, in part due to their high lycopene content. One study found that people with the highest amounts of lycopene in their blood were 55 percent less likely to have a stroke than people with the lowest amounts of lycopene in their blood. Of the study participants with the lowest levels of lycopene, 25 of 258 suffered a stroke.

Among those with the highest levels of lycopene, 11 of 259 had a stroke. When researchers looked at strokes due to blood clots, the results were even stronger. Those with the highest levels of lycopene were 59 percent less likely to have a stroke than those with the lowest levels.

What’s more, making tomatoes a daily habit could be good for overall heart health. The high potassium content in tomatoes helps regulate blood pressure, while the fiber contributes to lower cholesterol levels. The lycopene in tomatoes also may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol. Over time, this daily dose of heart-healthy compounds could contribute to better cardiovascular health.

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You could improve and protect your skin

Want to give your skin a beauty boost? Eating tomatoes every day can help! That’s because the combination of vitamin C, lycopene and other antioxidants found in tomatoes can help protect your skin from sun damage and may even prevent some signs of aging, like fine lines and skin laxity. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which keeps your skin firm and youthful.

And while tomatoes shouldn't replace your daily sunscreen, eating them regularly can provide an extra layer of UV protection for your skin. Studies have found that the lycopene and carotenoids in tomatoes help to block skin damage from UV light and decrease the incidence of sunburn.

You could lower your risk of some types of cancer

Another reason to enjoy tomatoes every day is that the lycopene and other antioxidants found in these juicy gems are linked to a decrease in certain cancers , specifically cancers involving the digestive system (mouth, esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum).

Studies show that lycopene’s anti-inflammatory effects and other cellular inhibitory mechanisms may limit cancer cell growth and metastasis.

Related: Here's What Happens to Your Body If You Eat Avocadoes Every Day

You could help keep your eyes sharp

If you want to keep your eyes healthy, look again at the mighty tomato! Tomatoes are a rich source of beta-carotene , which is essential for maintaining good vision. Plus they contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two important antioxidants that help prevent age-related macular degeneration. Age-related macular degeneration is a chronic condition in which a part of the retina called the macula becomes damaged. Studies show that regular consumption of tomatoes could contribute to long-term eye health and potentially reduce the risk of certain eye conditions.

It’s important to eat a balanced diet that's rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. But don’t forget to include the mighty tomato—they're are delicious, versatile, affordable (especially this time of year) and bursting with health benefits.

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