Tomato is the indispensable fruit of salads. I know you know tomato as a vegetable, but tomato is botanically a fruit. Because pepper, okra, cucumber, eggplant grows from the flower of the plant. Although it is botanically classified as a vegetable, we use tomato as a vegetable in the kitchen. The benefits of tomatoes include good eye health, lowering blood pressure, relieving stomach problems. In addition, it is good for digestion, stimulates blood circulation, lowers cholesterol. It prevents premature aging as well as reduces inflammation. It helps fight different types of cancer.
The tomato, scientifically called “Solanum lycopersicum”, is the fruit of a plant from the nightshade family native to South America. Tomato that turns red when ripe; It can come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, green, and purple.
What are the benefits of tomatoes?
It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The benefits of tomatoes are due to this rich nutrient content.
Nutritional value of tomatoes
The nutritional content of 100 grams of tomatoes is as follows:
Vitamin C is one of the nutrients any woman needs during pregnancy to keep herself and her baby healthy. It helps the formation of healthy bones, teeth and gums.
This vitamin also helps in the proper absorption of iron in the body, which is another vital nutrient during pregnancy.
in tomato lycopeneprotects against cell damage. Eating tomatoes increases the bioavailability of iron.
Vitamin C in its content helps to protect the health of both mother and baby.
Skin benefits of tomatoes
In a study, a mixture of tomato paste and olive oil protected the skin against sun damage.
According to a study in China, tomato juice significantly reduces body weight, body fat and waist circumference.
It also lowers cholesterol levels, which can cause weight gain.
In addition to being a great source of antioxidants, tomatoes are high in fiber and low in calories.
Thus, it increases the feeling of satiety. It even reduces calorie intake. Thus, it helps to lose weight.
Should you cook the tomato or eat it raw?
Studies show that cooking tomatoes increases their nutritional value. In particular, it increases antioxidant activity. It increases the effectiveness of the lycopene compound.
How to choose and store tomatoes?
When choosing tomatoes, smell the stem. Those with a rich aromatic scent are better.
Choose round and heavy ones. Of course, it should not be rotten and stained, and it should not be wrinkled.
Store fresh and ripe tomatoes in a cool, dark place. It is recommended to put them root side down and consume within a few days.
Storing in the refrigerator is not recommended. Because it destroys its flavor. If you are going to put it in the refrigerator, take it out about an hour before use.
Canned tomatoes can last up to 6 months without opening. If opened, you can store it in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Tomato paste or sauce can keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
As mentioned above, the benefits of tomatoes are innumerable. However, this fruit may not have the same effect on everyone and can be harmful when consumed in excess. Possible side effects of tomatoes when eaten in excess are as follows;
Tomatoes are acidic and can cause heartburn.
It can cause allergies in some people. Symptoms of a tomato allergy include hives, skin rashes, eczema, coughing, sneezing, an itchy feeling in the throat, and swelling of the face, mouth, and tongue.
People with severe kidney problems may need to limit their consumption of tomatoes as they contain a lot of water.
In those with bowel syndrome such as irritable bowel syndrome, tomatoes can trigger bloating.
We know that tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene. This could also be the problem. Excessive intake of lycopene can cause lycopenoderma, a dark orange discoloration of the skin.
Acidic foods such as tomatoes can irritate the bladder and cause incontinence.
