The health benefits of tomatoes need no introduction. The plump red vegetable, which is also a fruit, is used in a number of cuisines around the world. Not just that, it is also used as a part of beauty treatments and tan removal during summers. Tomatoes are hailed for their potent antioxidant properties as well and are also believed to have protective powers against dangerous UV radiations from the sun. Tomatoes can add flavours to your food and also make your skin soft and supple. Tomatoes are a staple food across the globe. But did you know that even tomatoes have certain side effects that you just cannot ignore.
As is often repeated by our elders, "Too much of anything is bad", tomatoes can have dangerous effects on your health when eaten in excess. From digestive troubles to diarrhoea, kidney problems and even body aches, excessive consumption of tomatoes can cause some serious harm to your body.Also Read:Tomato Juice Benefits: From Improving Digestion To Boosting Eye Health And More!
Here are some side effects of eating too many tomatoes:
1. Acid Reflux: Tomatoes have malic acid and citric acid, which makes your stomach excessively acidic. Eating too many tomatoes can cause heart burn or acid reflux due to the production of excess gastric acid in the stomach. People who frequently suffer from digestive stress or have symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) may want to go easy on tomatoes.
2. Allergies: Tomatoes contain a compound called histamine which may lead to skin rashes or allergies. For people allergic to tomatoes, consumption may lead to severe symptoms like swelling of mouth, tongue and face, sneezing, throat irritation, etc.
3. Kidney Stones: It may seem surprising but eating too many tomatoes may lead to building up of kidney stones in the body. This is because tomatoes are rich in calcium and oxalate, which when present in excess in the body, are not easily metabolised or removed from the body. These elements start depositing in the body, leading to formation of kidney stones.
Tomato Side Effects: Tomatoeshave calcium and oxalate which can result in build up ofkidney stones
4. Joint Pain: Excessive consumption of tomatoes may result in swelling and pain in the joints. This is due to the presence of an alkaloid called solanine. This compound is responsible for building up calcium in the tissues, resulting in inflammation.Also Read:10 Best Tomato Recipes
5. Lycopenodermia: It is a condition where an excessive amount of lycopene in the blood of a person can result in discolouration of the skin. Lycopene is generally good for your body but when consumed in quantities higher than 75 mg per day, it can lead to lycopenodermia.
6. Diarrhoea: Your tomatoes maybe carrying the bacterium salmonella, which is responsible for diarrhoea. However, otherwise in people who don't have tomato intolerance, diarrhoea is pretty rare.
Also Read:5 Tomato Face Packs That Are Bound To Make Your Skin Soft And Supple!
A lot of people take lycopene supplements which are easily available all around the globe. However, these may result in health complications, as it has been proven by some studies. As far as the question of the appropriate number of tomatoes you can eat daily is concerned, you must consult an expert nutritionist for the answer. It's also crucial to find out whether or not you are intolerant to tomatoes or lycopene in general, as well.
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FAQs
Side-Effects & Allergies of Tomato
What happens to your body if you eat too many tomatoes? ›
When eating too many tomatoes, it can lead to large amounts of lycopene accumulating in the blood. Although lycopene is not harmful it will lead to an orange discoloration of the skin. This condition may go away on its own in a short time. Some people may have an intolerance or allergy to tomatoes.
Why do some doctors say tomatoes are bad for you? ›
Solanine is the primary alkaloid in tomatoes, and it's also found in white potatoes and eggplant. Solanine can cause digestive upset and nausea when eaten in very large amounts, but this is extremely hard to do.
What happens to your body when you eat raw tomatoes every day? ›
Getting more tomatoes into your diet may make you less likely to have a stroke, which is when blood flow gets cut off to a part of your brain. Studies suggest that they may ease inflammation, boost your immune system, lower your cholesterol levels, and keep your blood from clotting.
What are adverse reactions to tomatoes? ›
Tomato allergies are often seen associated with grass pollinosis or other food or related allergies. Major clinical manifestations of tomato allergies include Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), urticaria, dermatitis, systemic reactions, rhinitis, abdominal pain, and anaphylaxis.
How many tomatoes a day is OK? ›
The acidic substances and cellulose in tomatoes can stimulate gastric acid secretion, promote gastrointestinal motility, and help digestion, but you should not eat too much tomatoes. Eating 1 to 2 tomatoes a day, about 50-100 grams of raw tomatoes, can meet the human body's needs for vitamins, plant fiber and minerals.
Are tomatoes OK to eat every day? ›
Daily intake of tomatoes can provide a great lift to wellbeing, along with improving the flavor of food.
What organ are tomatoes good for? ›
Tomatoes offer several research-backed benefits, including protection for brain, heart, and gut health. The fruit, which some consider a vegetable, is also a source of nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. There might be some risks associated with tomatoes, depending on your health status.
What are the 10 most inflammatory foods? ›
Here are the top ten worst offending foods that can trigger or cause inflammation:
- Dairy Products. ...
- Wheat, Rye, and Barley. ...
- Fried Foods. ...
- Refined Flour. ...
- Red Meat. ...
- Processed Corn. ...
- Artificial Chemicals and Additives. ...
- Trans Fats. Trans fats, aside from causing cancer, also create low-density lipoproteins, which feed inflammation.
Who should avoid tomatoes? Some people say that tomatoes are an inflammatory food, in which case people with inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis should avoid them.
While there is little research on the maximum number of tomatoes you can eat in a day. Scientists say ideally one serving of tomatoes comprises either one whole regular tomato or six cherry tomatoes. So enjoy your tomatoes but spread out your intake throughout the week!
Are tomatoes good for your liver? ›
According to some studies, 51 mg of chlorine and 11 mg of sulfur in 100 grams size of tomato have a vital role in detoxification process. We know that natural chlorine works in stimulating the liver and its function for filtering and detoxifying body wastes. Sulfur in tomatoes protects the liver from cirrhosis, too.
Can eating too many tomatoes cause inflammation? ›
Can eating too many tomatoes lead to inflammation and arthritis symptoms? Not necessarily. But unfortunately, there's a persistent myth that tomatoes will make your arthritis symptoms worse.
Why do I feel weird after eating tomatoes? ›
A tomato intolerance or sensitivity occurs when your digestive system reacts adversely after eating tomatoes. There are different types of food sensitivities when it comes to tomatoes: chemical sensitivities to the alkaloids, reactions to the acid content, and IgG reactions to the proteins in tomatoes.
What does tomato intolerance feel like? ›
Tomato Allergy Symptoms
Tru tomato allergies affect the skin, sinuses, eyes, and airways, and while rare, can cause a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. True tomato allergy symptoms can include: Congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Red eyes.
Can eating too many tomatoes make you dizzy? ›
Symptoms of poisoning may include severe mouth and throat irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, mild spasms, and death in severe cases. Not enough is known about the safety of the tomato vine.
What causes lycopenemia? ›
Lycopenemia is a benign clinical entity characterized by yellowish orange pigmentation of the skin. It is caused by the deposition of lycopene. The deposits occur mainly in the stratum corneum, which has a high lipid content and hence an affinity for lycopene.
Is eating tomatoes good for skin? ›
As mentioned, tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C. Besides boosting the immune system, vitamin C can help stimulate collagen production. In addition, vitamin C in tomatoes can help improve skin elasticity, making skin firmer.
Is it bad to eat too many cherry tomatoes? ›
Eating too many cherry tomatoes can give you acid reflux and other negative digestive side effects. This may be due to the malic acid in cherry tomatoes.
