Due to the amazing taste of tomatoes, they are used in almost any form. Salads, sauces and juices are made from tomatoes, these vegetables are boiled, fried, stewed, just eaten raw. But few people think about the benefits of this product. And in some cases, tomatoes can harm the body.
What are the benefits of tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a source of vitamins and minerals that humans need. However, the same can be said about almost any natural product. But this vegetable has many other useful properties.
Tomatoes are high in antioxidants. In particular, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which gives them their intense red color. This element reduces the risk of many oncological and cardiovascular diseases, and also interferes with the development of inflammatory processes. Plus, lycopene is good for your bones.
Tomatoes are a low-calorie food (22 kcal per 100 grams), so they won't hurt your figure.
Fresh tomatoes help lower cholesterol levels. The extract from these vegetables prevents blood platelets from sticking together, which prevents heart attacks. Tomatoes have a high concentration of vitamins A and C, which strengthen the immune system. Tomatoes contain phytoncides that have antibacterial properties.
Due to the large amount of ballast substances, these vegetables normalize digestion, and phosphorus in tomatoes is directly involved in metabolism. Potassium in tomatoes is good for the heart, calcium for bones. Zinc in these vegetables strengthens hair and skin cells. It also promotes rapid wound healing.
Serotonin in tomatoes helps with depression and stress. Tomatoes literally cheer you up. Thanks to the chromium contained in these vegetables, they quickly satisfy hunger, pacifying the "brutal" appetite.
The daily intake of tomatoes is 200 grams. They need to be eaten in 2-3 doses.
Tomatoes retain most of their properties even after heat treatment. These vegetables can be boiled, stewed, fried, stuffed with pepper or chicken. However, it will be more beneficial if tomatoes are used in vegetable dishes or salads with sunflower oil, since vegetable fats help the lycopene to be better absorbed.
In what cases can tomatoes harm human health?
Contrary to popular belief, even natural products can harm human health in certain cases. For example, tomatoes are contraindicated for people who have food allergies.
Problems can be caused by oxalic acid contained in tomatoes, which interferes with normal water-salt metabolism. Therefore, these vegetables are best avoided for kidney disease and arthritis.
Tomatoes also contain other organic acids that can irritate the inflamed mucous membrane. Because of this, tomatoes are contraindicated for stomach diseases. Also, these vegetables in canned, pickled or salted form are not recommended for people suffering from hypertension.
