The tomato is one of the most important vegetables for human consumption thanks to its nutritional values. In addition, it generates substantial income and jobs around the world. In fact, it is the vegetable that occupies the largest planted area in the entire globe.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Mexico, the tomato is a product that is frequently available, “its fruit is consumed both fresh and processed and It is a rich source of vitamins A, C and E, which are considered antioxidants.”
In addition, among the main components of the tomato is water and its main nutrient is carbohydrates. Likewise, it has lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that are present in the retina, the macula and the lens of the eye.
These components, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain, are associated with the prevention of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. For this reason, the consumption of tomato is recommended to take care of the eyes.
Likewise, the specialized portal Body Mind listed a series of benefits that tomatoes bring to health:
1. Anti-cancer effect: This is a vegetable that is characterized by containing elements, such as lycopene, a compound that It helps in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer, such as prostate cancer.
2. For sensitive stomachs: Regular consumption of tomatoes helps prevent both constipation and diarrhea. Thanks to its fiber content, the peristaltic movement of the digestive muscles is stimulated and also the release of gastric juices.
3. Good for the bones: a study carried out in Canada showed that the red tomato contributes to the good condition of the bones, especially in women following their menopausal stage.
4. Helps the heart: a study from the University of Cambridge, cited by Body Mind, showed that by consuming a paste equivalent to two and a half tomatoes, Positive changes are effected in the heart by enlarging the flexibility of the blood vessels.
It should be noted that there are several types of tomatoes, but the best known are chonto tomato, cherry tomato, pear tomato, milano tomato, green tomato, among others. Also, the best way to consume it is raw, since it preserves the properties it has and goes perfectly with any dish.
The nutritional content per 100 grams of tomato are: 820 mg of carotenoids, 24 mg of vitamin C, 18 kcal, 94 grams of water, 3.5 grams of carbohydrates, 1.8 grams of fiber, 1 mg of protein and 0 .2 mg of fat.
These compounds make the tomato also help:
- For healthier skin: Both consumption and external application of tomato can be beneficial for skin health. An investigation published in Scientific Reports points out that the lycopene contained in tomatoes helps protect the skin once morest ultraviolet rays.
- It is ideal to include in weight loss diets: At this point, we must bear in mind that the success of diets is to have a caloric deficit, which is when people consume fewer calories than they spend on a daily basis. It must also be supplemented with physical activity.
