4 Health Benefits of Tomato Soup

 4  Health Benefits of Tomato Soup

Tomatoes are rich in the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and plant compounds that contribute greatly to the providing a wide range of the health benefits.

Research suggests that these nutrients protect against many diseases, including heart disease and cancer

So, enjoying tomato soup can be a delicious way to the maximize the health benefits of the  tomatoes. You can enjoy a rich, warm bowl of the soup during the winter or a refreshing gazpacho in the summer.

Here are 4 science-based benefits of tomato soup.

1. Highly nutritious

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) have relatively few calories, but they are packed with the nutrients and beneficial plant compounds.

Here is the nutrient profile of the one large (182-gram) raw tomato :

Calories: 33

Carbs: 7 grams

Fiber: 2 grams

Protein: 1.6 grams

Fat: 0.4 grams

Vitamin C: 28% of the Daily Value (DV)

Vitamin K: 12% of the DV

Vitamin A: 8% of the DV

Potassium: 9% of the DV

Tomatoes are always rich in the carotenoids – namely lycopene – which provide about 80% of the DV for lycopene.

Lycopene is the pigment that gives tomatoes their characteristic bright red color. It has many health benefits due to its potential preventive effect on various chronic diseases

2. Rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize the harmful effects of the oxidative stress. This happens when cell-damaging molecules called free radicals accumulate in the body

Tomato soup is an excellent source of the antioxidants, including lycopene, flavonoids, and vitamins C and E.

Antioxidant intake lowers the risk of cancer and inflammation-related diseases, such as obesity and heart disease.

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3. May have cancer-fighting properties

Tomatoes are widely studied for their cancer-fighting properties due to their high lycopene content. They are particularly effective against prostate and breast cancer.

Prostate cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death globally, and the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men.

Multiple studies have found a direct link between high lycopene intake, especially from cooked tomatoes, and a reduced risk of prostate cancer ( 13 Trusted Source , 14 Trusted Source , 15 Trusted Source , 16 Trusted Source ).

Research suggests that lycopene induces the death of cancer cells. It slows tumor growth in a process called anti-angiogenesis (8Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source).

High intakes of carotenoids have been linked to up to a 28% reduction in breast cancer risk. These carotenoids include alpha carotene, beta carotene and lycopene .

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4. Promotes healthy skin and vision

Enjoying a dish of tomato soup can also benefit your eyes and skin.

When it comes to skin health, beta carotene and lycopene protect you against sunburn by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light, thereby increasing the skin's defense against UV-induced damage.

For example, researchers in one study gave 149 healthy adults a supplement containing 15 mg of lycopene, 0.8 mg of beta carotene, and several additional antioxidants.

In one study, the supplement significantly protected participants' skin against UV damag.

However, while research suggests that it also has some benefits for your skin, that doesn't mean you should change your regular sun protection skin care routine.

Foods like tomatoes are rich in carotenoids and vitamin A that are very beneficial for eye health.