Tomato: properties, benefits, and contraindications

From May to late September, the fresh tomatoBut even during the rest of the year it is possible to always have the canned one available, the famous peeledThe main benefit of tomatoes for our bodies is their extraordinary source of antioxidants. Lycopene in particular, which gives tomatoes their red color, is precisely what allows tomatoes to prevent skin cancer. Zeaxanthin also protects the eyes and vision, preventing age-related macular degeneration.

Nutritional values

Il tomato It has a low calorie content, especially when ripe. In fact, every hundred grams of the ripe vegetable contains only 19 calories. And also:

• 3,9 grams of carbohydrates
• 1,2 grams of fiber
• 0,9 grams of protein
• 0,2 grams of lipids
• 237 milligrams of potassium
• 24 milligrams of phosphorus
• 11 milligrams of magnesium
• 10 milligrams of calcium
• 5 milligrams of sodium

Property

After the potato, tomatoes are the vegetables most cultivated in the world. Considered the symbol of the Mediterranean diet, the tomato It arrived in Italy from the Americas in 1500. Originally from South America, the tomato plant belongs to the tomato family. Solanaceae, which also includes eggplant, pepperoni e potatoesThanks to its high water content, tomatoes contribute to a good hydration, is a diuretic, fights water retention and reduces overall caloric intake. It contains a lot of potassium, useful for maintaining blood pressure within limits and important for muscle function and cellular exchanges. It also has few sugars and a good deal of Vitamin C with an antioxidant effect, and promotes the proper functioning of the immune systemOther essential components of tomatoes are phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and sodium. And it is also useful for detoxify the liver.

Benefits

Thanks to his fiber It adequately nourishes the "good" intestinal bacterial flora, promoting the correct balance of our intestine, which is essential for staying healthy and keeping various diseases at bay, not only tumors but also allergies, hypertension, prostatic hyperplasia, autoimmune diseases e obesity. The tomato is also well supplied with bioactive molecules such as antioxidant polyphenols, precious against theaging. It is also known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content, lycopene This color gives it its red color and is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system and the prevention of cancer. Lycopene is a true cellular scavenger, effectively counteracting the activity of free radicals: hence its preventive benefits for our body. Tomatoes are low in calories and therefore perfect for weight-loss diets. They also protect our cardiovascular system from "bad" cholesterol, inhibiting the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, the cause of cardiovascular disease. Low in sugar, tomatoes can be safely consumed even by diabetics and, according to some studies, may even normalize blood sugar levels.

The raw tomato

Vitamin C is best absorbed by eating raw tomato, instead, lycopene is absorbed if cooked: the temperature in fact breaks the cell walls making it more usable. A valuable tip: pour on the cooked tomato A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil added raw to keep the properties of the condiment intact. Tomato sauce is a healthy food that can bring you closer to aproper nutrition even children. In fact, each type of vegetable is rich in mineral salts, vitamins e bioactive molecules very useful.

How many tomatoes can we eat per day?

Due to its organoleptic characteristics, tomatoes can be eaten in abundance. But don't overdo it. Otherwise, you risk heartburn (tomatoes are acidic) and kidney problems (due to the high percentage of Potassium, oxalates and water). The right dose, to avoid any problems, is the equivalent of a third of a cup of tomatoes a day.

Controindicazioni

Avoid eating tomatoes in case of a allergy specific and of a intolerance to the Solanaceae family or an allergy to nickel, an element present in this vegetable. Furthermore, if you suffer from heartburn, gastritis o reflux You should be careful about consuming tomatoes because they can worsen symptoms. Also, don't overdo it if you have ulcers, acid reflux, or heartburn. You may experience severe headaches.

How to use tomatoes in cooking

The use of tomatoes in cooking is limitless. It ranges from pasta to any first course, from fish to meat. These are some of the best and most original tomato recipes we have on our website.

• Greek saladTomato goes very well with feta, olives, cucumber and onion (better if Tropea).
• Tomato pureeA classic of health and culinary pleasures.
• GazpachoA thirst-quenching, pleasant, and healthy aperitif.
• Green tomato jamPerfect for seasoning cheeses.
• Stuffed tomatoesA simple, filling dish that's quick to prepare.

The best tomatoes in Italy

• San Marzano in Campania
• Piennolo tomato in the Vesuvian area
• Tomato from the Sorrento Peninsula
• Sicilian Pachino
• Corbarino of the Lattari Mountains
• Tuscan ox heart
• The Spanish Meatball of Terracina

Read also:

• Tomatoes: How to Grow Them in the Garden and Pots
• Tomato juice: how to make a refreshing, vitamin-packed drink at home
• Energy drinks, natural alternatives. From tomato juice to spinach smoothie.
• Tomato puree, a vegetarian recipe for a very genuine cream soup
• Pappa al pomodoro: the ancient recipe with leftover bread

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