What Is The Fruit That Helps Eyesight And Controls Blood Pressure?

Tomato, also known as tomato, is a fruit that is not only versatile and delicious, but also plays a crucial role in the prevention of circulatory and cardiovascular disorders. Widely used in cuisines around the world, this fruit offers numerous health benefits, highlighted by its ability to reduce the risk of heart disease .

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the consumption of tomatoes is highly recommended as part of a healthy diet. “Eighty grams of tomatoes are equivalent to one of the five servings of fruits and vegetables that should be consumed daily,” the agency states.

Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins C and E, potassium, and fiber. These nutritional properties contribute to maintaining general well-being and are essential for heart health. They are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been associated with decreased risk of heart disease.

Lycopene is a component that gives tomatoes their characteristic red color and has antioxidant properties. Scientific studies have shown that it can reduce levels of LDL cholesterol (known as “bad” cholesterol) and improve blood vessel function. This, in turn, reduces the incidence of heart disease and stroke.

This plant of American origin has been the subject of study recently, especially due to its global expansion after the arrival of Europeans to the American continent in 1492. Originally from the low Andes region, this plant was initially cultivated by the Aztecs in Mexico (Illustrative image Infobae)

Tomato is a food with numerous health benefits, backed by research and nutrition experts. This fruit is known for being a rich source of antioxidants, highlighting lycopene, which is effective against problems caused by free radicals. Added to other carotenes present, tomato becomes a powerful protector of the body. According to the Interdisciplinary Institute for Innovation at the University of Talca in Chile, these benefits can be obtained even from heat-processed products, such as tomato sauce.

In addition to this, tomatoes have a positive impact on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Nutrition professor Gemma Chiva-Blanch, from the Open University of Catalonia (UOC), pointed out in an article published in The Conversation that the lycopene present in tomatoes prevents the oxidation of serum lipids. This has a protective effect against heart disease since regular consumption of tomatoes can reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

Tomato is also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It provides about 40% of the daily requirement of vitamin C, which is a natural antioxidant effective against cancer-related free radicals. In addition, it contains vitamins A, and K and a considerable amount of potassium, as well as iron, as noted by the University of Talca.

Vision also benefits from tomato consumption, thanks to vitamin A, which helps protect against degenerative diseases and night blindness. As for the digestive system, tomato is useful in maintaining your health, as it prevents constipation and diarrhea, and also prevents jaundice, and helps to effectively eliminate toxins from the body.

Daily consumption of tomatoes can also help control blood pressure due to their potassium content and low levels of sodium, which promotes the elimination of toxins and prevents fluid retention. As for the skin, tomatoes help maintain healthy teeth, bones, hair, and skin. Its antioxidant properties protect the skin against UV rays and are used in natural anti-aging products.

Lastly, tomatoes can prevent urinary tract infections and reduce the risk of bladder cancer.

Tomato helps protect vision, but it is not the only food that has this benefit, there are others such as carrots, fish, and dairy products, among others (Illustrative Image Infobae)

A recent study by Harvard University has revealed that tomato consumption is essential for protecting and improving vision. This fruit, rich in vitamin A, plays an essential role in the efficient functioning of the eye. The benefits of tomatoes extend to preventing eyewear and reducing the risk of eye infections.

The university’s analysis highlights the importance of two specific compounds present in tomatoes: lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants protect the macula and lens of the eye. The latter is responsible for focusing light and images on the retina, allowing clear vision. These two act as a barrier against damage caused by ultraviolet light and other environmental factors that can impair vision.

In addition to vitamin A, tomatoes are a rich source of vitamin C, another powerful antioxidant. These components are crucial in combating age-related eye diseases such as cataracts and night blindness. Vitamin C plays a key role in fortifying the immune system and repairing tissues, ensuring that eyes remain healthy and functional.

An additional element that tomatoes provide for eye health is lycopene, a red pigment that is also found in other fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to accumulate in eye tissues, providing additional protection against macular degeneration and other degenerative diseases. This antioxidant benefits the eyes and has a positive impact on cardiovascular health.

The lycopene found in tomatoes serves as a shield against macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older people. In addition, it helps reduce the risk of heart disease, which highlights the importance of including tomatoes in your daily diet.

Regarding the function of the lens, this ocular component is crucial for the correct refraction of light towards the retina. Lutein and zeaxanthin, present in tomatoes, ensure the integrity of this structure, preventing problems with focus and visual clarity. These antioxidants can filter harmful blue light, protecting sensitive eye tissues.

The beauty of juicy tomatoes goes beyond their flavor, they are a source of nutrition and health (Illustrative image Infobae)

A recent study by Israel’s Soroka Medical Center revealed that tomato supplements given for four weeks improved the condition of patients with hypertension. According to this research, lycopene, a component present in tomatoes, plays a crucial role in preventing heart disease and protecting arterial health.

Gemma Chiva-Blanch, professor of Nutrition at the Open University of Catalonia, also maintains that regular tomato consumption could be linked to a lower rate of coronary heart disease. In an article published in The Conversation, Chiva-Blanch stated that tomato benefits span a wide range of improvements in cardiovascular health. “Regular consumption of tomatoes reduces blood pressure and prevents coronary heart disease and stroke,” the expert points out in the article.

On the other hand, a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology in November 2023 supports these findings. It concludes that daily consumption of tomatoes can reduce the risk of hypertension by 36%.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) also highlighted in an article the role of tomatoes in improving blood pressure and maintaining more fluid blood flow. According to the AARP, regular intake of tomatoes works as a natural anticoagulant, preventing the formation of plaques that can lead to clots.

Lycopene, which acts as a powerful antioxidant, helps block the production of the protein angiotensin which in turn lowers blood pressure. This substance also minimizes the risk of oxidative damage to cells, which adds a layer of cardiovascular protection.