2024-08-10 13:08:18
Tomatoes come in all shapes and flavors, swinging between sweet and tangy, making them the natural star of summer. From June to September it slides onto the plate in various forms, whether round, cherry or elongated. This fruit and vegetable is the most consumed in France and is suitable for all tastes: raw, cooked, in sauces and even as a dessert. In addition to satisfying your taste buds, it also has a wealth of health benefits. Why deprive yourself?
Undeniable health benefits
Tomatoes may well play a key role in preventing certain cancers, especially prostate cancer. A 2014 meta-analysis published in Scientific Reports highlighted the protective potential of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in abundance in this fruit. The results are clear: Regular tomato consumption appears to significantly reduce the risk of this type of cancer.
Another study published the same year in Cancer Epidemiology reinforced this conclusion, showing that a weekly diet of 1.5 kilograms of tomatoes (or about 10 150-gram servings) reduced the risk of prostate cancer.
But the benefits of tomatoes don’t stop there. This fruit also protects the heart. A Japanese study published in Food Science and Nutrition found that regular consumption of salt-free tomato juice can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These beneficial effects may be due to the combination of lycopene and potassium, a win-win combination for cardiovascular health.
Summer products for healthy eating
With only 16 calories per 100 grams, tomatoes are an ultra-light choice for those who are looking to be fit. Plus, its impressive 95% water content makes it perfect for retaining moisture while helping the body drain water.
Tomatoes contain 14.3 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams, and if they are very ripe, the vitamin C content can reach 20 milligrams, making them a real treasure of vitality. Eating 4 to 5 tomatoes a day can easily meet your daily vitamin C requirements: 110 mg for adults and adolescents, and 60 to 100 mg for children.
A beauty ally for your skin
Like carrots, tomatoes are rich in beta-carotene, a valuable ally that promotes healthy-looking skin. But its real treasure lies in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. A 2005 German study published in Photochemistry and Photobioscience showed that consuming lycopene-rich foods, including tomatoes, can reduce sun-induced redness and further protect the skin from UV damage. Tomatoes are therefore not only a taste delight, but also a discreet and effective ally in maintaining youthful skin.
Are tomatoes ripe or raw?
Through cooking, tomatoes can reach their full potential. Unlike most nutrients that decrease with heat, lycopene is released and becomes more easily absorbed by the body. In its raw state, it remains trapped within tomato cells, protected by tough plant walls, making its absorption more difficult.
In just 30 minutes of cooking time, this hidden treasure can be absorbed by your body. To further amplify the benefits, adding a little olive oil to your recipe can work wonders in helping lycopene cross the intestinal barrier.
Cooked tomatoes also retain the integrity of their fiber, essential minerals like potassium, and vitamins A and C. Whether in sauces or soups, cooked tomatoes are rich in flavor and benefits and are a great addition to your daily health. Ideal.
Tomato, acidic fruit
Although tomatoes have many benefits, they also hide a less appealing side: their natural acidity, which is enhanced when cooked. For people with sensitive digestive systems, regular tomato consumption can cause discomfort, such as gastric reflux and stomach lining irritation. The acidity in tomatoes can also weaken enamel in people who are particularly sensitive to enamel.
Luckily, there are a few tricks to sweetening this fruit. While cooking, add one or two carrots during preparation. Their natural sugars act as softeners, neutralizing the tomatoes’ acidity. For those who prefer a simpler solution, white tomatoes, which are naturally less acidic, may be your best ally in the kitchen.
Remember: For delicate stomachs, it is recommended to remove the skin and seeds from tomatoes, as these parts can sometimes cause irritation.
Some good reactions to including tomatoes on the menu
To get the most out of your tomatoes, choose tomatoes that are very ripe, neither too hard nor too soft, and preferably those harvested in the summer. Each variety has its uses: vine tomatoes are great for salads, beef hearts are great for stuffing, and cherry tomatoes are sweet and rich in vitamins, making them an ideal aperitif.
If you store them, keep them at room temperature or in the refrigerator on paper towels, or even freeze them for use year-round, although this will change their flavor slightly.
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