Health Benefits of Tomato Soup

Ariane Lang writes:

"Tomatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant compounds that offer a wide range of health benefits. Research even suggests that these nutrients may protect against multiple diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Therefore, enjoying tomato soup may be a delicious way to make the most of the health benefits of tomatoes. You could savour a rich, warm bowl of soup during sweater weather or a refreshing gazpacho in summer.

Here are nine science-based benefits of tomato soup.

Highly nutritious
Tomato soup is low in calories and high in potassium and vitamins C, K, and A. It also provides a great deal of lycopene, the compound responsible for most of the health benefits of tomatoes.

Rich in antioxidants

Eating tomato soup is a great way to take advantage of the antioxidant capacity of tomatoes. They are high in lycopene, flavonoids, vitamins C and E, and other antioxidants.

May have cancer-fighting properties

Lycopene and other carotenoids present in tomato soup may reduce the risk of prostate and breast cancers. Cooked tomatoes appear to have a more potent effect than raw tomatoes.

Promotes healthy skin and vision

Antioxidants found in tomatoes may protect your skin from sunburn and lower your risk of age-related vision loss.

Improves bone health

Lycopene in tomatoes may help maintain stronger bones and reduce the risk of fractures.

May reduce risk of heart disease

Tomato soup may help reduce several risk factors for heart disease due to its carotenoid and vitamin C content.

May enhance male fertility

Lycopene in tomato soup may improve sperm parameters that are associated with male fertility.

Boosts immunity

A warm bowl of tomato soup may help you get better when you’re feeling under the weather, thanks to its carotenoid and vitamin C content.

Easy to make

Making a fresh tomato soup is a healthier alternative to canned soup and an easy way to add tomatoes to your diet.

Other purported benefits that are not backed by science
Some people claim tomato soup has other health benefits, such as it promotes hair growth, eliminates body fat, or causes weight loss. However, these are not backed by science.

Downsides of tomato soup

Tomato soup may not be a suitable choice for people with GERD. Additionally, commercial soups may be high in salt and fat.

The bottom line
Tomato soup may offer numerous health benefits, including cancer-fighting properties and improved fertility in men. It may also benefit heart, skin, and bone health, among others. These benefits are mainly due to the many plant compounds in tomatoes. However, there’s no evidence to back up the claims that tomato soup promotes hair growth and eliminates fat.
Tomato soup may not be a good choice if you have GERD.
You can try making a homemade version of your favourite tomato soup to manage the salt and fat content while making the most of all the beneficial nutrients in this tasty dish."

The above is just a snippet of Ariane's article which can be read in full with all research links here

Tomato soup with onions, carrot and celery - see here

Some Tomato soup recipe suggestions

Red pepper and tomato - see here

Sweet potato, carrot, red pepper and tomato soup - see here

Tomato soup with onions, carrot and celery - see here

Mary Berry's ten-minute tomato soup - see here

Dear reader you will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan