Keto Means
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Is tomato juice good for your brain?

You may not know it, but tomatoes are one of nature's most beneficial fruits in regards to brain health. In fact, according to a Harvard Health study, it's been found that tomatoes may help lower your risk of ischemic stroke, or the blockage of a brain artery that smothers brain cells and causes them to die.

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You may not know it, but tomatoes are one of nature’s most beneficial fruits in regards to brain health. In fact, according to a Harvard Health study, it’s been found that tomatoes may help lower your risk of ischemic stroke, or the blockage of a brain artery that smothers brain cells and causes them to die. Regardless of what age you are, tomatoes should be a part of anyone’s regular diet, and there are multiple reasons why.

Tomatoes Contain Powerful Antioxidants

Lycopene, the same chemical that gives tomatoes their red color, is a powerful antioxidant that can eliminate dangerous free radical cells. The latter can cause oxidation of the brain, which is the result of a chemical process where free radicals steal the electrons from beneficial brain proteins, DNA, and cell membranes. Beneficial cells that become damaged by free radicals will either become greatly hindered or die outright. Further, tomatoes also contain another powerful carotenoid called lutein. Further studies have shown that both lutein and lycopene can help prevent prostate cancer and even slow aging of the skin.

Lycopene Can Help Prevent Strokes and High Cholesterol

In a recent study, researchers have found that those with higher levels of lycopene in their systems were:

55% less likely to have a stroke.

59% less likely to have a stroke due to a blood clot.

Lycopene has also been found to be effective in reducing high cholesterol, improving immune function, and helps prevent blood clots, which can lead to ishemic stroke.

Tomatoes Can Reduce Inflammation and High Blood Pressure

Two other antioxidants in tomatoes, quercetin and kaempferol, contain anti-inflammatory properties that are very beneficial to general brain and heart health. Whenever bad elements enter our bodies, the latter typically reacts with inflammation, which can be beneficial for those who suffer from certain health conditions, like arthritis and secondary hypertension. As tomatoes are packed with potassium, they act as a great foil to typical American cuisine, which is typically laden with sodium. Those with hypertension are typically asked to stay away from salt-laden foods, and more potassium can help further reduce sodium levels in the body.

You Don’t Have to be a Gardener to Benefit from Tomatoes

Tomatoes tend to be hard plants that are very easy to grow, but even if room doesn’t allow, lycopene and other nutrients also found in tomatoes can be found in many easy-to-find products, such as:

Watermelon

Salsa

Ketchup

According to one study, it is recommended that the average person ingest at 10,000 micrograms, which doesn't sound like much when you consider that one watermelon slice or 5 tablespoons of ketchup would help you meet that goal. Be wary of lycopene supplements however, as they are not as beneficial as that found in tomatoes or other food items.

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