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

Tomatoes not only taste good, they are also good for your health. The 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 initially used as an ornamental plant.

Beneficial features

Tomatoes are often used in the Mediterranean diet, famous for its health benefits.Recipes from this cuisine 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 can act individually or interact with other substances to provide health benefits.

They contain huge amounts of lycopene, which has the highest antioxidant activity among other carotenoids. A diet rich in tomato-based foods may reduce pancreatic cancer, according to research from the University of Montreal. If you eat them with healthy fats, such as vegetable oil, their benefits can increase two to three times.

When nursing 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 fruit peels, the human intestines absorb more carotenoids than when using sauces prepared without peels. The outer shell of the tomato contains a large amount of flavanols (quercetin and kaempferol). Therefore, for maximum health benefits, you should eat unpeeled vegetables.

Scientists conducted research to find out what 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 entire organism.

Also, vitamin E affects the normalization of the function of the male reproductive system and enriches cells with oxygen.It is directly involved in the metabolic process, in the functioning of muscle tissue, normalizing the function of the nervous system and liver function.

Beneficial effects on organs

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

For skin

Tomatoes contain a high percentage of lycopene, this substance is used in most massage products. To try this remedy, peel 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 found that a high percentage of lycopene in tomatoes reduces the chance of developing prostate, stomach and colorectal 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 it is produced. Therefore, you should use borscht in your menu.

Maintaining the strength of the skeletal system

Tomatoes contain a significant amount of calcium and vitamin K. These substances are necessary for strengthening bones, as well as for simple healing of bone tissue. Research by scientists from Boston University has proven that vitamin K deficiency causes an increased risk of osteoarthritis in the hands and knees. The presence of vitamin K in tomatoes plays an important role in normalizing blood clotting.

Helps cope with the consequences caused by smoking

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

Provides essential antioxidants

The tomato fruit contains large amounts 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.

Remember! The redder the tomato, the higher the percentage of beta-carotene it contains. It should also be taken into account that heat treatment destroys vitamin C. In this regard, it is better to eat tomatoes raw in order to replenish the body with this vitamin.

Benefits for the heart muscle

The presence of potassium and vitamin B in tomatoes explains the effectiveness of these vegetables in reducing the level of 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. Thus, 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 hairstyle? The presence of vitamin A in tomatoes has a good effect on hair, making it strong and shiny. In addition, tomatoes are good for the eyes, skin, and teeth.1 cup of crushed tomatoes per day is enough to provide more than half 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 the 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. This element also helps 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 research has shown that moderate intake of lycopene and vitamin A is beneficial for asthmatics and helps relieve symptoms of exercise-induced asthma.