THE tomatoes they are an endless source of health benefits that go far beyond red pigmentation and juicy texture. Let’s find out why the tomato Is it good for you and what do you need to know!

The tomato it is not only the main ingredient of various preparations and many recipes, from confit tomatoes to dried tomatoes in oil to tomatoes with pasta and pine nuts, but it has proven to be a valid ally for health thanks to the pool of substances with exceptional properties.

In fact the tomato it can be considered a fairly complete food, given that it contains many mineral salts, vitamins and amino acids. There is no shortage of fibers and many other components.

This type of vegetable is excellent in every situation. For example in the morning for breakfast, for lunch, a snack and finally for dinner. Naturally it does not have to be taken at every meal and every day, but if included correctly in your diet i benefits they will be acquired quickly.

The large quantity and variety of substances positive for our body (present in the tomato) make it an excellent food. It is no coincidence that it was included in the Mediterranean diet.

Tomato: description of this vegetable

The tomato it can be round or slightly elongated as well as have a strawberry shape, in short there are various shapes and sizes. This vegetable has a red skin (when ripe), which serves to protect the seeds and pulp. The seeds are positioned lateral to the core of the fruit. The pulp covering the latter has a gelatinous consistency.

What variations of tomatoes are available on the market?

The tomato is grown in various parts of the world, there are many varieties of this vegetable beneficial for the human body. Just to give an idea, we will now look at some types of tomatoes on the market

• Cherry Tomatoes – Also known as Pachino tomatoes, these small vegetables are recognized by their small size and their sweet flavor. They are perfect for healthy snacks or to add a touch of freshness to salads.
• Rome tomatoes – Characterized by their oval and fleshy shape, i Rome tomatoes they are ideal for the preparation of sauces, concentrates and preserves. They have less juice than other varieties, making them perfect for cooking without diluting the flavors. THE San Marzano tomatoesa larger Roma tomato variety, are particularly popular for making sauces.
• Ox Heart Tomatoes – I Beefsteak tomatoes they are characterized by a massive structure and juicy taste, which makes them ideal for preparing burgers or sandwiches. Their dense pulp makes them a great choice for sandwiches while their sweetness is enjoyed in salads or eaten simply as a snack.
• Pear Tomatoes – These typical tomatoes from Abruzzo have a shape similar to that of a pear and are famous for their sweet and slightly aromatic flavour. They are often used in salads and raw dishes, adding a touch of sweetness and freshness.
• Green Tomatoes – I green tomatoes they are harvested before they reach full maturity. They have a more acidic flavor and a crunchy texture. They are commonly used to make green sauces or chutneys, but can also be used in raw dishes to add a touch of acidity.

What does the red color of tomatoes depend on?

The red of the tomato it is given by the presence of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant belonging to the carotenoid family.

Not just bright color. The presence of lycopene in tomatoes not only determines their peculiar appearance, but also contributes to the resulting health benefits.

Chemical composition of the tomato

The tomato can be considered a fairly complete food, within this vegetable there are many mineral salts, vitamins and amino acids. Of course there is no shortage of fibers and many other components that help the body feel better. So the official answer is yes to tomato!

Lycopene is just one of the components that make the tomato a real panacea for your health. Let’s find out what substances can be found in this very common vegetable:

• Proteins
• Carbohydrates
• Fibers
• Sugars
• Fats
• Vitamins (A, B, C, E, K, J)
• Mineral salts (calcium, potassium, manganese, chromium, iron, copper, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc)
• Antioxidant – Lycopene (like vitamin C) develops an antioxidant action that fights free radicals and slows down cellular aging.
• Vision protection – The abundant content of lutein and zeaxanthin is linked to the protection of the retina and more generally to the protection of vision. It essentially prevents age-related eye diseases, such as macular degeneration.
• Cardiovascular support – The significant presence of potassium keeps blood pressure under control and promotes heart health.
• Strengthening of the immune barrier – Between benefits of raw tomatoes there is also support for the immune defenses. In fact, the richness of vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system and the body’s ability to repel infections.
• Skin health – Various nutrients, such as vitamin A and lycopene, can support skin health by reducing inflammation and mitigating damage caused by UV rays.
• Friend against constipation – Those who are constipated can eat tomatoesIndeed, the dietary fibers contained can promote a laxative effect.
• Amino acids (aspartic acid, tryptophan, arginine, etc.)

Now we explain why this vegetable is always recommended by experts and nutritionists. Despite being a common vegetable, it contains within itself a mine of positive substances. However, it is advisable to consume only tomatoes of organic origin, or those grown in your own garden.

NB. To recap, the tomato looks like this:

• Rich in water
• Many mineral salts and vitamins
• Low in fat
• Contains many substances with antioxidant action
• There are many amino acids present
• Rich in fibre
• Little protein

The benefits of tomatoes

Tomato is definitely an excellent choice when it comes to healthy eating. There are many reasons, for example contains low percentages of fat. Strong concentrations of vitamins and mineral salts. These just mentioned are just some of the beneficial substances of tomatoes.

The time has come to give space to the benefits of this vegetable. That is, what it can offer if integrated into one’s diet. Therefore we just have to see what is written below:

• Antioxidant – Lycopene (like vitamin C) develops an antioxidant action that fights free radicals and slows down cellular aging.
• Vision protection – The abundant content of lutein and zeaxanthin is linked to the protection of the retina and more generally to the protection of vision. It essentially prevents age-related eye diseases, such as macular degeneration.
• Cardiovascular support – The significant presence of potassium keeps blood pressure under control and promotes heart health.
• Strengthening of the immune barrier – Between benefits of raw tomatoes there is also support for the immune defenses. In fact, the richness of vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system and the body’s ability to repel infections.
• Skin health – Various nutrients, such as vitamin A and lycopene, can support skin health by reducing inflammation and mitigating damage caused by UV rays.
• Friend against constipation – Those who are constipated can eat tomatoesIndeed, the dietary fibers contained can promote a laxative effect.

Tomatoes: carbohydrates or proteins?

THE tomatoes contain carbohydrates or proteins? Both, but in different percentages which however tip the scales in favor of carbohydrates.

To understand better, let’s think that 100 grams of raw tomatoes there are approximately 3.9 grams of carbohydrates and 0.9 grams of protein.

Tomatoes and calories. The presence of carbohydrates does not particularly impact in terms of caloric intake, given that they are mostly made up of water. You can count 18 calories per 100 grams.

What are the contraindications of tomatoes?

The tomato has its contraindications, but these are generally present in 99% of foods, especially because anything if consumed excessively will then present contraindications. As for the effects of this vegetable, let’s find out right now:

• Decreases bone health. It absorbs calcium from bones and transports it into the soft tissues of the body. For this reason, the health of the kidneys, joints and blood is compromised.
• Stimulates gastric acidity. Tomato can worsen the health of those who suffer from gastric acidity. Therefore consumption is not recommended.
• Avoid the vegetable when it is green. The tomato must not be eaten unripe otherwise it could prove harmful to your health. The symptoms are as follows: abdominal cramps, headache, and intestinal pain.
• It can impair the absorption of some nutrients. The blame lies with lecithin. It affects those who are intolerant to the food.

NB. The information reported in this article is purely indicative and must not be replaced with the advice of a specialist such as doctors and nutritionists.

How many tomatoes can you eat?

There is no precise amount to consume per day, but it is possible to consider a portion of tomatoes as part of a meal or snack. Obviously the variety of recommended fruit and vegetable servings per day is the key to a successful diet.

You can eat tomatoes in the evening? Yes, but only if you don’t eat just before going to sleep as the tyramine contained could stimulate brain activity and delay sleep. Furthermore, the acidity of the tomato could cause gastrointestinal reflux.

How can tomatoes be consumed?

Raw, cooked or transformed into other preparations: i tomatoes they are incredibly versatile in the kitchen and can be enjoyed in different ways.

• Consumption raw – Simply wash them carefully and cut them into wedges, halves or slices to enjoy in sandwiches, salads or crudités. In this case you can enjoy both their full flavor and their nutritional density.
• Cooked – They can be cooked and used to prepare condiments, sauces or soups, maintaining their nutritional value and recognizable flavour.
• Sauce – Common basis of many culinary preparations, the tomato puree it is a concentrated resource of lycopene and other nutrients.