Tomato juice is popular as the basis for Bloody Mary cocktails. However, you may not realize that regularly consuming tomato juice can actually improve and extend your life. Some of its properties will boost your cardiovascular health, while others can help to protect your body against common but dangerous illnesses. Read on to discover ten of the most significant and compelling reasons why tomato juice should be a regular part of your diet.

1) It reduces your risk of developing cancer:

If you make a habit of drinking tomato juice, you may be less likely to suffer from a range of different types of cancer. Firstly, several studies on male health have shown that men who consume tomatoes or tomato juice on a daily basis are typically less likely to develop any form of prostate cancer over the course of their lifetime. Secondly, current research projects are also investigating the hypothesis that tomato juice may provide some protection against cancers of the ovaries, mouth, digestive tract and breast. These anti-carcinogenic benefits may be explained by the fact that tomato juice is a source of an antioxidant called lycopene, which appears to limit the reproduction of the malignant cells that form cancerous tumors.

2) It can strengthen your immune system:

A serving of tomato juice provides you with a large quantity of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A, which can help to improve your resistance to disease in a couple of different ways. For one thing, vitamin A strengthens your mucous membranes, which help to prevent harmful viruses and bacteria from infecting your body. In addition, your white blood cells play a huge role in fighting infection when you are ill, and these cells work more effectively if you consume a diet that is high in vitamin A.

3) It can boost the health of your cardiovascular system:

If you regularly drink tomato juice, you are more likely to maintain a well-functioning heart and healthy blood vessels. There are several different aspects of tomato juice that play a role in creating this exciting health benefit. Firstly, tomato juice can reduce your risk of developing dangerous blockages in your blood vessels, as it helps to control clumping of the platelet blood cells that can cause blood clots. Secondly, tomato juice is an excellent source of potassium and vitamin B, both of which have been shown to create a small drop in blood pressure levels. Finally, the lycopene in tomato juice can reduce your cholesterol levels, thereby helping to prevent your arteries from hardening in a way that can lead to heart attacks and heart disease.

4) It has natural painkilling properties:

If you are unlucky enough to have a health problem that causes chronic pain (such as arthritis), take note of the fact that some recent studies suggest that tomato juice may be able to reduce your levels of pain. Specifically, tomato juice contains carotenoids and bioflavonoids, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, they are not associated with any of the side effects that can be experienced when taking anti-inflammatory drugs.

5) It helps to keep your bones strong:

Tomato juice contains several nutrients that promote strong bones and reduce your risk of suffering from bone damage. Firstly, tomato juice is a source of calcium and vitamin K, both of which help to make bones less susceptible to fracturing. Secondly, the lycopene in tomato juice can boost bone mass, thereby making you less likely to develop osteoporosis (i.e. brittle bones). It has been repeatedly shown that people with less lycopene in their diets have a higher risk of suffering negative changes in bone tissues; this risk is especially applicable to postmenopausal women, who are among the most likely people to develop osteoporosis.

6) It can improve the health of your eyes:

As mentioned above, tomato juice is an excellent source of vitamin A, and there are a couple of different reasons to believe that vitamin A helps to keep your eyes in good condition. For one thing, those who have a diet that is high in vitamin A are less likely to suffer from a wide range of eye diseases, including glaucoma. In addition, a greater intake of vitamin A (in its retinol form) improves your night vision, helping you to see in low levels of light.

7) It promotes healthy blood sugar levels:

Tomato juice contains a mineral called chromium, which helps your body to regulate the amount of sugar that is absorbed into your blood after you eat or drink. As a result, a diet that is high in chromium is linked to a reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes.

8) It can be useful when you are trying to lose weight:

Although there is nothing in tomato juice that will directly promote weight loss, it can help to make it easier to stick to your diet plan. Specifically, tomato juice is rich in fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied (reducing your urge to snack on unhealthy foods).

9) It helps to maintain a healthy digestive system:

The large amount of fiber found in tomato juice also helps to keep your intestines in good condition, preventing constipation and ensuring that you have regular bowel movements.

10) It may help to keep your mind sharp:

Finally, tomatoes and tomato juice are the subject of exciting new research thanks to a promising connection between their consumption and a reduced risk of developing degenerative neurological disorders (such as Alzheimer’s disease).