Regular Tomato Consumption Boosts Immunity
Medical scientists have found that tomato-based foods can enhance children’s immunity and reduce mortality from diarrhea.
A study by researchers at National Taiwan University College of Medicine revealed that after two weeks of consuming tomato juice, blood lycopene levels significantly increased, and T-lymphocyte immune function improved. In another experiment, researchers found that children positive for HIV had significantly lower blood lycopene levels than healthy children.
Researchers analyzed that in malnourished children in West African countries, blood lycopene levels were markedly low. Foreign researchers conducted an 18-month study on Sudanese children, examining the relationship between tomato consumption and rates of diarrhea-related deaths and respiratory illnesses. They found children consuming or supplementing tomatoes grew faster, experienced fewer malnutrition issues, and had a 0.13% lower death rate. Children consuming tomatoes had a 45% reduction in diarrhea-related deaths, lower fever-related mortality, and fewer cases of respiratory infections and measles.
Researchers conclude that tomatoes contain carotenoids capable of producing vitamin A. Previous studies confirm that supplementing vitamin A effectively reduces diarrhea incidence and mortality, shortening the duration of diarrhea.