This is one of the most consumed soups in India. Roasted tomatoes are stewed and pureed, which is then made into a creamy juice. It is then seasoned with various spices and herbs. Grilled sandwiches and tomato soup make the best combo. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of tomato soup.
Health Benefits Of Tomato Soup
Each bowl of tomato soup simmers with several nutrients that are highly beneficial for health. It contains vitamin E, A, C, K, essential minerals and antioxidants that can keep you healthy and fit (1). The health benefits of tomato soup include:
1. Bone Health
Lycopene found in tomato soup plays an important role in regulating bone metabolism by increasing bone mineral density, thus helping in fighting osteoporosis. Consuming tomato soup regularly reduces the blood levels of TNF alpha by 34%. A deficiency in lycopene can increase oxidative stress in the bones and bring unwanted changes in the tissues. You can keep these issues at bay by making tomato soup regularly during your meal times!
2. Cardiovascular Health
The high levels of vitamin C in tomato soup may provide arterial protection, strengthen the heart and protect it from diseases like blockage of arteries and stroke. It may also help to reduce the deposition of fats in the blood vessels, reducing bad cholesterol. Tomato soup may be able to prevent the clumping of platelet cells in the blood (5).
3. Disease-Fighting Lycopene
As mentioned before, tomato soup comes packed with lycopene, the pigment that gives the fruit its bright color. Processed tomatoes contain more lycopene than raw ones. Lycopene neutralizes the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals, a molecule that causes aging. A diet rich in lycopene can also help fight chronic diseases and stroke (6). A cup of tomato soup provides 13.3 milligrams of lycopene. That’s enough to keep your body fighting fit!
4. Blood Circulation
Selenium in tomato soup promotes blood circulation, preventing anemia (7), (8). One of the amazing benefits of tomato soup! One serving of tomato soup provides 7 micrograms of selenium, amounting to 11% of the daily recommended allowance.
5. Mental Health
The high concentrations of copper in tomato soup boost the nervous system (9). Potassium aids in the transmission of the nerve signals. All these ensure that your mental health remains top notch.
6. Vitamins
Tomato soup is an excellent source of vitamin A and C. Vitamin A is required for tissue development. It activates the genes of the newborn cells, helping it grow to a mature tissue. A bowl of tomato soup provides 16% of the daily-recommended value of vitamin A. Vitamin C is required to maintain healthy tendons and ligaments. Tomato soup provides 20% of the daily-recommended value of vitamins. So, a bowl full of tomato soup a day can definitely help to keep the body healthy (10).
7. Weight Loss
Consuming tomatoes may benefit weight loss (11). It can be very beneficial for those who are on a weight loss diet. It is rich in water and fiber that keeps you full for a longer time. Dieters recommend tomato soup to burn off calories and fat deposits from the body. This is definitely a yummy way to lose weight, right?
8. Cancer
Tomato soup contains antioxidants like lycopene and carotenoid, which can help prevent the possibility of cancer in both men and women. The high levels of antioxidants in tomato soup reduce oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Consuming tomato soup thrice a week may help to prevent breast, prostate, and colon cancer. It also protects the body from stomach and colorectal cancer (12), (13).
9. Male Fertility
Researcher shows that consuming tomatoes and tomato based products may boost fertility in men. Lycopene in tomato soup can improve sperm motility. The antioxidants in tomatoes also help to scavenge free radicals, which can cause infertility in men (14), (15). So, if you are trying to conceive, add tomato soup to your diet!
10. Diabetes
Tomato soup can be an excellent addition to a diabetic patient’s diet. It contains chromium, a mineral that helps in the regulation of blood sugar(16), (17).
A Word of Caution:
The only disadvantage of tomato soup is its high sodium content. A bowl of tomato soup contains one-third of the daily limit. Excess consumption of sodium increases blood pressure, which can damage the kidney, heart and blood vessels (18). If you are purchasing packaged tomato soup, select the one with lower sodium content. I am sure you love tomato soup–most of us do! But now you can binge on it without feeling guilty. A bowl of tomato soup can be your health’s best friend!
Is tomato soup easy to digest? Tomatoes contain nutrients and dietary fiber that are beneficial for the gut. However, due to its acidic content, some people may have difficulty digesting tomato soup. Is tomato soup good for fatty liver? Yes. Tomatoes may help prevent alcoholic fatty liver due to the presence of carotenoid lycopene (19).
