What vitamins are found in tomatoes and how are they useful?

Tomatoes not only taste good, they also have health benefits. The vitamins in tomatoes have a healing effect on the body. Tomatoes were brought to Europe from South America in the XIV century. It came to us only in the 18th century, and initially it was used as an ornamental plant.

Beneficial features

Tomatoes are often used in the Mediterranean diet, famous for its health foods. Tomatoes, pasta or sauces are often used in recipes for this cuisine. Those who follow 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 can act individually or interact with other substances to provide health benefits.

They contain huge amounts of lycopene, which has the highest antioxidant activity of any carotenoid. A diet rich in tomato-based foods may reduce pancreatic cancer, according to research from the University of Montreal. When consumed with healthy fats such as vegetable oil, their beneficial properties can double to threefold.

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 when using sauces prepared without the peel. The top shell of a tomato contains a large amount of flavanols (quercetin and kaempferol). Therefore, you should eat unpeeled vegetables to maximize your health.

Scientists have conducted studies to find out which vitamins in tomatoes help 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 function of the reproductive system in men and enriches cells with oxygen. He is directly involved in the metabolic process, in the work of muscle tissues, the normalization of the function of the nervous system and the work of the liver.

Take a look also

How to properly grow and care for tomatoes in the open field in the Moscow region

Beneficial effect on organs

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

For skin

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

To prevent cancer

Tomatoes help prevent several types of cancer. Studies have shown that a high percentage of lycopene content 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 the strength of the skeletal system

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

Helps cope with the effects of smoking

Eating tomatoes will not help you quit smoking. But they will be able to reduce the negative consequences that have been caused to the body in the process of smoking. Tomatoes also contain coumaric and chlorogenic acids, which are used to protect the body from the effects of carcinogens in cigarette smoke.

Provide Essential Antioxidants

The tomato fruit 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 leads to cell damage.

Take a look also

How to sow tomatoes for seedlings step by step

Remember! The redder the tomato, the higher 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 lowering bad cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. Therefore, by including them in your diet and by balancing your diet, you can effectively prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other heart problems that can threaten life and health. So, a cup of tomato juice contains 534 mg of potassium, which is equal to the daily requirement.

Excellent cosmetic product

What vitamins are found in tomatoes to help improve hair? The presence of vitamin A in tomatoes works well for hair, making it strong and shiny. In addition, tomatoes are good for the eyes, skin, teeth. One cup of chopped tomatoes per day is enough to provide more than half of the recommended amount of vitamin A per day.

Benefits for the kidneys

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

Beneficial 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 a disease such as "Night blindness".

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

Studies in Australia have shown that moderate consumption of lycopene and vitamin A is beneficial for asthmatics, helping to alleviate the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma.