Thanks to its rich antioxidant compounds, especially lycopene, tomatoes not only help beautify the skin but also bring profound health benefits to the cardiovascular system if used properly.
According to a study published in Neurology, people with high levels of lycopene in their blood have a 55% lower risk of stroke than people with low levels. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent the formation of plaque in the arteries - one of the main causes of atherosclerosis and stroke.
Tomatoes also contain potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure; contain vitamin C, which helps protect blood vessel walls from damage caused by free radicals.
Not every way of eating tomatoes is most effective
Lycopene in tomatoes is better absorbed when cooked and eaten with fat. Therefore, dishes such as tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes or cooked with olive oil will help the body absorb lycopene better than eating it raw. Prioritize red ripe tomatoes and avoid those that are crushed or have signs of metabolism.
It should also be noted that tomatoes should be eaten during the day, limit eating on an empty stomach or late at night because it can cause indigestion for some people.
Maintaining the habit of eating tomatoes 35 times a week, combined with a low-salt, green vegetable diet and regular exercise will help improve cardiovascular health, effectively preventing incidents such as heart attack or stroke.
