Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, tomato juice offers significant health advantages, including reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Healthline reports that a 240-ml cup of tomato juice contains 41 calories, 2 grams of protein, 22% of the Daily Value (DV) of vitamin A, 74% of the DV of vitamin C.
It also provides 7% of the DV of vitamin K, 16% of the DV of potassium, and 9% of the DV of manganese. Other nutrients include thiamine (vitamin B1), niacin (vitamin B3), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), folate (vitamin B9), magnesium, potassium, and copper.
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4 health benefits of drinking tomato juice
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A bunch of tomatoes. Illustration photo by Unsplash |
The nutritional value of tomato juice provides several health benefits:
1. Reduce inflammation
Tomato juice is a concentrated source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant that reduces inflammation. A study involving 30 women showed that daily consumption of tomato juice led to significant reductions in inflammatory proteins and cholesterol, and a decrease in waist circumference.
2. Detoxing liver
According to the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, tomatoes have a detoxification effect in the body, likely due to the presence of chlorine and sulfur. Studies indicate that 51 mg of chlorine and 11 mg of sulfur in a 100 grams serving of tomatoes play a crucial role in the detoxification process.
3. Reducing risks of heart diseases
Tomatoes are linked to improved heart health. They contain potent antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene, which reduce heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and arterial plaque buildup (atherosclerosis).
A review of 584 people found that those with diets rich in tomatoes and tomato products had significantly lower risks of heart disease. Another review of 13 studies showed that consuming more than 25 mg per day of lycopene from tomato products reduced “bad” LDL cholesterol levels by about 10% and significantly lowered blood pressure.
4. Reducing risks of cancers
Tomato juice, with its high levels of nutrients and antioxidants, shows anticancer effects. A review of 24 studies linked high tomato and tomato product intake with a significantly lower risk of prostate cancer.
In a test-tube study, lycopene extract from tomatoes inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells and induced apoptosis, or cell death. Animal studies also suggest that tomato products may protect against skin cancer.
For the best health effects, it is important to choose the right tomato juice. While 100% tomato juice provides many nutrients, some commercial varieties contain added sugars and high sodium levels, which can reduce their nutritional value.
