Tomatoes are one of the most widely consumed foods in the world. They appear in salads, sauces, stews, and a wide variety of everyday dishes. However, what many people don’t realize is that this seemingly simple food can produce some very interesting effects in the body when consumed regularly.In recent years, various specialists have studied how certain compounds in tomatoes can influence health. Some of these effects have even surprised healthcare professionals.

Below, we explain what happens in the body when tomatoes are part of a daily diet.

The compound that makes tomatoes special

One of the most studied components of tomatoes is lycopene, a powerful natural antioxidant that gives them their characteristic red color.

Lycopene helps combat damage caused by free radicals in the body, which may contribute to protecting cells from premature aging and various inflammatory processes.

Interestingly, this compound becomes easier to absorb when tomatoes are cooked, especially in preparations such as tomato sauce or sautéed tomatoes.