What are the healing properties of tomatoes: how they protect your skin and your heart?

The tomato has become an essential part of the Mediterranean diet and global cuisine. Its consumption increases during the summer, when it reaches its peak ripeness and is used in salads, sauces, and gazpachos. Beyond its versatility in the kitchen, this vegetable stands out for its great nutritional value and the multiple health benefits it offers to those who include it in their daily diet.

According to the Spanish Nutrition Foundation (FEN) , in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food , tomatoes are largely water-based and provide just 22 calories per 100 grams . They provide carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and minerals such as potassium and selenium . They are also a source of essential vitamins such as A, C, E , and several B vitamins, including folate , all of which are essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced body.

The FEN points out that tomatoes contain carotenoids , especially lycopene , a pigment that gives them their characteristic red color. Its concentration varies depending on the variety, crop type, and degree of ripeness. This bioactive compound is recognized for its antioxidant action , capable of protecting cells from oxidative damage. Furthermore, lycopene is associated with a lower incidence of chronic diseases , as well as with benefits for cardiovascular and ocular health .

For its part, the Healthy Eating Foundation emphasizes that tomatoes are the most important dietary source of lycopene and highlights its association with a lower risk of prostate cancer . They also help reduce cholesterol , improve digestion, prevent constipation, and have a diuretic effect thanks to their potassium content. Their abundance of antioxidants also contributes to skin care and helps delay the signs of aging.