Experts from the Ohio State University in America carried out experiments on mice and found that regular consumption of tomatoes reduced the chances of skin cancer tumour formation in male mice by a whopping 50%. These mice were given 10% tomato powder as a part of their regular diet for nearly 35 weeks. They were then exposed to UV rays. Experts believe that pigmenting compounds that give colour to tomatoes may also help ward off and prevent the damaging effects of UV rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Regular consumption of tomatoes is also linked with a bevy of health benefits. Tomatoes are loaded with calcium and vitamin K that help ensure healthy bones. Vitamin A and C present in tomatoes help strengthen immunity and eliminate harmful free radicals from the body. Chromium in tomatoes is excellent for blood sugar management.
Colourful fruits and vegetables are known to be packed with antioxidants. "Tomatoes are rich in lycopene and anthocyanins. These help protect against vision loss, heart diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer (especially prostate)," as mentioned in Dorling Kindersley's Healing Foods.
