Regardless of the fact that tomatoes grow well in greenhouses or even outdoors, the market is awash with them, so it is important to remember the many benefits of eating this vegetable, regardless of the fact that it is tasty and beautiful. Yes, tomatoes are good for our health. There are many questions surrounding tomatoes, including how they benefit our body and health, what are their nutritional properties, who should avoid tomatoes, and how to use them most effectively. It is a truth that tomatoes are common vegetables found on our family table, and they are consumed in numerous forms.
What vitamins or minerals can be found in tomatoes?
The tomato is not only very beautiful, captivating with its color, shape, and smell, but is also a very nutritious vegetable. Various fruits and vegetables should be eaten regularly, and tomatoes are no exception. Although about 95 percent of tomato weight consists of water, these vegetables provide the body with vitamins and other useful substances. Tomato fruits contain protein, carbohydrates (starch, sugar, fiber), pectins, organic matter, carotenoids, rare vitamin B, K vitamins, minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, silicon, iodine). They are high in iron, lycopene, and rich in fiber. Phytoncides, citric acid,. and vitamin C are found in tomatoes.
What makes tomatoes different from other vegetables in terms of their health benefits?
Tomatoes were thought to be poisonous and inedible for a long time. The plants were cultivated as ornamental plants by European gardeners. To this day, we have endless research proving tomatoes have indisputable health benefits.
In today’s society, when healthy eating is so widespread, it’s important to discuss not only the harm that food causes but also an understanding of its benefits.
Hypertension and ischemic heart disease sufferers should eat these vegetables. The substances in tomatoes normalize metabolism, stimulate kidney and intestinal function, lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol.
A component of tomatoes, lycopene, neutralizes free radicals, protecting against cancer. The body needs fat to absorb lycopene, so eating tomatoes with oil is best.
The fiber in tomatoes improves digestion and increases gastric secretion. The peel of these vegetables stimulates intestinal peristalsis and reduces constipation. It is recommended that they be eaten by people whose gastric juices have low acidity.
Studies show that people with diabetes who consume high-fiber foods have a low blood sugar level.
Tomatoes contain malic acid and citric acid, which enhance appetite. Additionally, they are rich in phytoncides and vitamin C, which act as antibacterials and strengthen the immune system.
These vegetables help remove slag and toxins from the body.
Chlorogenic and linoleic acids break down nicotine resin, remove it from the lungs and help remove dark plaque. Therefore, tomatoes are especially valuable to those who smoke or have recently stopped smoking.
What is the best way to consume tomatoes: alone or in salads with other ingredients?
Let’s eat tomatoes both alone and with other leafy vegetables. After all, the most important thing is to eat as many vegetables as possible, especially seasonal ones.
Many people believe that eating a tomato and cucumber salad is not a good idea. What’s the reason?
Tomatoes and cucumbers are a very common combination in salads. Unfortunately, recent research shows that the combination of these two vegetables can disrupt the biochemical processes in the body, resulting in calcination, swelling, and the vitamins in both vegetables simply will not be fully absorbed by the body because the body absorbs them differently. When acid is released in the stomach to digest cucumbers, the tomatoes wait their turn and begin to acidify.
Do tomato juices have any value? Perhaps they have additional benefits besides tomatoes?
Tomatoes and their juice are useful in cardiovascular disease and anemia due to their high iron content.
Healthy eating experts urge you to drink juice as it is a valuable product rich in vitamins, minerals, trace elements, pectins, and organic acids. The most squeezed juice is the most valuable and it is not worth expecting that the body will receive all these useful substances after drinking the juice bought in the store. Researchers say tomato juice not only improves digestion, stimulates intestinal function, but can also protect against cancer.
Can tomatoes that are canned or otherwise processed retain their good qualities?
For many, canning involves vinegar marinades, sugar, or tanning. The preservation of food refers to its protection from spoilage. Food experts advise replacing vinegar with fruit vinegar and store stocks for winter. As for tomatoes and other vegetables that are grown in our garden, let’s enjoy them in the winter by canning or preparing them. It’s better than tasteless vegetables brought in and sold in supermarkets.
Still, the healthiest choice for preparing supplies for the winter is freezing and drying. The taste, smell, and nutritional value of frozen products do not diminish. Make sure that the water is cold enough to form fine crystals, which are – 18 degrees or colder. The nutritional properties of the products are then better preserved.
Are there any exceptions to why tomatoes should be avoided or restricted?
You should use tomatoes with caution if you suffer from indigestion or have increased gastric acidity. Cardiovascular disease sufferers should avoid canned tomatoes in particular. In addition, people with high levels of uric acid should avoid eating these vegetables. This is the case with rheumatoid arthritis, polyarthritis, and gout.