Lycopene overdose: 5 things that happen when you eat too many tomatoes

New Delhi: A fruit that always finds a place in salads, sweet and tangy delight tomatoes give a wow factor to almost every dish. Some enjoy it raw; others like to add it to curries for an additional touch of flavour. On the nutrition front, this fruit is a rich source of vitamin C and an antioxidant known as lycopene which is strongly linked to a lower risk of inflammation and oxidative stress. However, be it for the flavour or for the benefits, some people tend to go overboard with respect to the intake of tomatoes. Little do we realise that doing so can trigger serious side effects on health. Keep reading to know what it is.

1. Acidity: Tomatoes are acidic in nature which is the core reason for their sour taste. Therefore, eating them too much and in huge quantities can trigger heartburn or acid reflux. If struggling with gastroesophageal reflux disease, it is recommended to be twice as careful about the dosage of tomatoes.
2. Skin discolouration: Strange as it may sound, eating tomatoes too much can backfire on skin health as well – it can trigger Lycopenodermia, a condition wherein lycopene levels in the blood can result in discolouration and dull appearance. Experts say that a safe level of lycopene intake per day is 75mg per day.
3. Allergic reactions: Histamine is a compound found in tomatoes that can result in allergic reactions like coughing, sneezing, skin rashes and itching in the throat right after consumption. Therefore, if you are allergic to it, maintain a safe distance.
4. Joint pain: An alkaloid in tomatoes known as solanine is responsible for joint swelling and pain. Excessive intake of tomatoes can also inflame the joints by spiking the risk of calcium build-up in the tissues. If you already are struggling with joint pain already, it is recommended to limit tomato intake.
5. Kidney stones: Some compounds in tomatoes can be tough to break down by digestive juices. As a result, calcium and oxalate can accumulate in the body and can deposit to form kidney stones.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.