7 Amazing Health Benefits of Tomato Soup

Tomato soups are the most commonly consumed soup everywhere.

To make it, tomatoes are roasted, stewed, and then pureed into a rich and creamy juice. It is a healthy and, low-calorie beverage and can be a comforting lunch or a good starter for dinner parties.

Tomatoes are packed with various nutrients that help protect the body against multiple diseases including heart disease and cancer.⁽¹⁾

Tomato soups are packed with nutritious and beneficial plant compounds. One large raw tomato contains:⁽²⁾

• 33 calories
• 7 grams carbs
• 2 grams of fiber
• 1.6 grams of protein
• 0.4 grams of fat
• 28% of the daily value (DV) of vitamin C
• 12% of DV of vitamin K
• 8% of DV of vitamin A
• 9% of DV of potassium

They are also rich in lycopene, a pigment that gives the red color to tomatoes. It is also responsible for numerous health benefits.^(3,4)

Lycopene is better when cooked, and tomato soup is made of cooked tomatoes and can be an excellent source of this compound.

Antioxidants play a role in neutralizing the harmful effects of oxidative stress.

Tomato soup is an excellent antioxidant source. The antioxidants include lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and many others.^(3,5)

Antioxidants help lower the risk of cancer and other inflammation-related diseases such as obesity and heart disease.⁽⁶⁾

Research shows, the antioxidant activity of vitamin C and flavonoids also help protect against type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and brain disease.⁽⁷⁾

Tomatoes are known for their cancer-fighting properties are effective especially against prostate and breast cancer.

Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death globally.⁽⁸⁾

Consuming high levels of carotenoids is linked to reducing the risk of breast cancer by 28%.⁽⁹⁾ The carotenoids include alpha-carotene, beta carotene, and lycopene.

A bowl of tomato soup can be beneficial for the eyes and skin.

Beta carotene and lycopene protect against sunburn by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light. It also increases skin defense against UV-induced damage.^(10,11)

Tomatoes are rich in carotenoids and vitamin A that benefit eye health. Eating tomatoes is linked with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration, which leads to vision loss with age.⁽¹²⁾

The protective effect is due to the antioxidants present that reduce the oxidative stress in the macula. Also, beta carotene is converted into retinol that plays an important role in vision.

Osteoporosis is a common bone condition that leads to fragile bones and fractures. It is a common complication after menopause.

Lycopene regulates bone metabolism by increasing bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fracture.⁽¹³⁾

An animal study shows, lycopene influences bone metabolism and stimulates osteoblast activity, and reduces the breakdown activity of osteoclast.⁽¹⁴⁾

Consuming tomatoes is known to reduce the level of total and LDL cholesterol, both of which are major risk factors for heart disease. It is due to the lycopene and vitamin C content of tomatoes.⁽¹⁵⁾ Lycopene also improves the functioning of HDL cholesterol in the body.

Vitamin C and LDL are also known to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol that can increase the risk for atherosclerosis.⁽¹⁶⁾

Carotenoids present in tomatoes can help lower blood pressure, which is another risk factor for heart disease.⁽¹⁷⁾

Oxidative stress leads to male infertility as it can damage sperm or decrease sperm viability and motility.⁽¹⁸⁾

The antioxidant property of lycopene present in tomatoes can increase the chances of producing a higher count of healthy sperms.

A study done on 44 men with infertility found, consuming commercial tomato products such as tomato juice or soup, increased blood lycopene levels and thereby improved sperm motility.⁽¹⁹⁾

Tomato soup is a well-known remedy for common cols. It is because vitamin C and carotenoid content may stimulate the immune system.⁽²⁰⁾

Vitamin C can be consumed to prevent the common cold or even reduce its duration and severity.

Tomato soup is an easy to make or readily available nutrient-rich juice of a highly nutritious vegetable. Consume it daily to benefit from its numerous benefits.