What vitamins are in tomatoes and how are they useful

Tomatoes not only taste good, they are also good for he alth. Vitamins in tomatoes have a healing effect on the body. Tomatoes were brought to Europe from South America in the 14th century. It came to us only in the 18th century, and was originally used as an ornamental plant.

Useful properties

Tomatoes are often used in the Mediterranean diet, famous for he alth dishes. The recipes of this cuisine very often use tomatoes, pasta or sauces. Those who adhere to the principles of this diet have lower rates of heart disease and cancer.

Tomatoes contain all four major carotenoids: alpha and beta carotene, lutein and lycopene. They may act individually or interact with other substances to provide he alth benefits.

They contain a huge amount of lycopene, which has the highest antioxidant activity among other carotenoids. According to research from the University of Montreal, a diet rich in tomato-based foods may reduce pancreatic cancer. When eaten with he althy fats such as vegetable oil, they can double or triple their he alth benefits.

When breastfeeding mothers eat tomato products, it increases the concentration of lycopene in breast milk. Only this happens when eating tomatoes that have undergone heat treatment.

When preparing tomato sauces using the peel of the fruit, more carotenoids are absorbed by the human intestine than if sauces prepared without the peel are consumed.The outer shell of a tomato contains a large amount of flavanols (quercetin and kaempferol). Therefore, to maximize your he alth, you should eat unpeeled vegetables.

Scientists have conducted research to find out what vitamins in tomatoes help to eliminate free radicals. It turned out to be vitamin E. It also reduces the intensity of the process of destruction of the walls of the cell membrane and slows down the aging of the whole organism.

Also, vitamin E affects the normalization of the reproductive system of men and enriches cells with oxygen. It is directly involved in the process of metabolism, in the work of muscle tissues, normalization of the function of the nervous system and liver function.

Beneficial effect on organs

The organic acids present in tomatoes (citric and malic) facilitate the process of digestion. The pink fruit contains selenium. It strengthens the immune system, improves brain function and prevents the development of cancer cells.

For skin

Tomatoes are high in lycopene, the substance used in most massage products. To try this remedy, peel 8 to 12 pieces, then place the inner pulp of tomatoes on the skin.

To prevent cancer

Tomatoes help prevent several types of cancer. Studies have shown that a high percentage of lycopene in tomatoes reduces the chance of developing cancer of the prostate, stomach and calorectal cancer.

Lycopene is a natural antioxidant that effectively slows down the appearance of cancer cells. After cooking, tomatoes do not lose this substance, but on the contrary, more of them are produced. Therefore, you should use borscht in your menu.

Maintaining skeletal strength

Tomatoes contain a significant amount of calcium and vitamin K. These substances are necessary for strengthening bones, as well as for simple bone healing. Studies by scientists from Boston University have shown that vitamin K deficiency is associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis in the hands and knees. The presence of vitamin K in tomatoes plays an important role in the normalization of blood clotting.

Helps to cope with the effects of smoking

Eating tomatoes won't help you quit smoking. But they will be able to reduce the negative effects that were inflicted on the body in the process of smoking. Tomatoes also contain coumaric and chlorogenic acids, which serve to protect the body from the action of carcinogens produced in cigarette smoke.

Provides essential antioxidants

The fruit of the tomato contains a large amount of vitamins A and C. Thanks to beta-carotene, these vitamins act as antioxidants to neutralize free radicals in the blood. The presence of free radicals in the circulatory system is dangerous. This results in cell damage.

Remember! The redder the tomato, the greater the percentage of beta-carotene in it. It should also be noted that heat treatment destroys vitamin C. In this regard, tomatoes, in order to replenish the body with this vitamin, are best eaten raw.

Benefits for the work of the heart muscle

The presence of potassium and vitamin B in tomatoes explains the effectiveness of these vegetables in reducing bad cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. Therefore, including them in your diet and balanced diet can effectively prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other heart problems that can threaten life and he alth.So, a cup of tomato juice contains 534 mg of potassium, which is equal to the daily requirement.

Excellent cosmetic product

What vitamins contained in tomatoes help improve hair? The presence of vitamin A in tomatoes has a good effect on the hair, making them strong and shiny. In addition, tomatoes are good for eyes, skin, teeth. One cup of crushed tomatoes per day is enough to provide more than half of the recommended amount of vitamin A per day.

Kidney Benefits

Studies have shown that tomato juice or seedless tomato pulp reduces the risk of kidney stones.

Useful properties for eyes, asthmatics and diabetics

Vitamin A in tomatoes has a great effect on vision, improving it. In addition, by eating tomatoes, you can prevent the development of such a disease as Night Blindness.

Tomatoes also have a valuable mineral called chromium. It effectively helps diabetics to maintain the required level of sugar in the blood. Also, this element helps to reduce the feeling of hunger. The feeling of fullness has an auxiliary effect in the fight against extra pounds. It is recommended for those who want to reduce their weight.

Australian studies have shown that moderate consumption of lycopene and vitamin A are beneficial for asthmatics, helping to reduce the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma.