Here are a few health benefits of tomato soup that are not well-known

The chilly winter days are usually marked by warm, filling and flavour-packed hot bowl of tomato soup or streaming cup of tea and coffee. These help us beat the cold foggy mornings and frozen toes.

Nutritionist and certified diabetes educator, Avni Kaul says that tomato soup is one of the most commonly made soups during the winter season. The tomatoes are roasted, stewed and later pureed to prepare a creamy and rich soup. A single bowl of soup consists of several nutrients that include Vitamin A, C, E, and K besides important minerals and antioxidants that are beneficial for your overall health.

There are various other health benefits too that make it a must-have soup during the season. Avni sheds light on some of it.

Bone health

The vitamin K and calcium in tomato soup helps you get healthy bones. Lycopene in the soup boosts bone mass which helps countering osteoporosis. Consuming this soup daily decreases the blood levels of TNF alpha by approximately 34 per cent. A deficiency in lycopene could increase oxidative stress in the bones and cause unwanted changes in the tissues. You can keep these issues away by making this soup a part of your daily meal.

Disease countering lycopene

As stated, tomato soup is rich in lycopene, the pigment that provides bright colour to the fruits. Processed tomato has more lycopene than raw ones. This element neutralises the oxidative damage that occurs due to free radicals, a molecule that assists ageing. A diet rich in lycopene helps fight chronic diseases and prevents stroke. A cup of tomato soup gives 13.3 milligrams of lycopene, sufficient enough to keep your body fit.

Cardiovascular health

The high amount of vitamin C in tomato soup gives arterial protection. It bolsters the heart and protects it from problems like blockage of arteries and prevents stroke. It further helps in decreasing the deposition of fats in the blood vessels, decreasing bad cholesterol. Tomato soup also helps prevent the clumping of platelet cells in the blood.

Blood circulation

Selenium present in tomato soup improves blood circulation which prevents anemia. This is one of it’s top benefits. A single serving of tomato soup gives seven micrograms of selenium, providing 11 per cent of the daily recommended intake.

Vitamins

Tomato soup is a source of vitamin A and C. The former is needed for tissue development. It activates the genes of the newborn cells helping them to grow into mature tissue. A bowl of tomato soup gives nearly 16 per cent of the daily recommended quantity of vitamin A. Vitamin C is needed to maintain healthy tendons and ligaments. This soup gives 20 per cent of the daily recommended quantity of vitamin C. So, roll yourself in a quilt and sip on this soup to keep your body healthy and soothe your mind.