6 Benefits Of Tomatoes : Properties, What They Are Used For And How To Prepare Them To Improve Your Health

One of the questions surrounding this food is whether it is a fruit or a vegetable. Although many believe that this vegetable is a vegetable, it is a fruit that belongs to the Solanaceae family, from which potatoes and eggplants come.

It is believed that many years ago, the tomato was only used as an ornamental plant, but from the 18th century onwards it was cultivated for consumption. Since then, scientists have studied the properties of this fruit to determine the benefits of its consumption.

The most commonly consumed tomato is the red one, followed by the green one; but there are also yellow and orange ones. It is usually prepared in sauces, and salads, spread on a slice of bread, in juice, and stewed.

Properties of tomato

According to nutritionist Gabriela Morataya, tomatoes are a fruit that contains considerable amounts of iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. They are also rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 and C.

It contains a few calories. In addition, its sweet and sour taste is due to the small amount of simple sugars and organic acids, such as citric and malic, which make it appetizing and digestive.

Unlike other fruits and vegetables, tomatoes have a low percentage of fiber; but the consumption of seeds, pulp, and skin helps to maintain healthy intestinal transit.

Benefits of tomatoes

One of the main characteristics of tomatoes is that 95 percent of their weight is water, and also because they contain the trio of antioxidant vitamins C, E, and A, which help prevent premature aging and benefit the immune system.

Naturopath Carolina Hernández lists some benefits of tomatoes:

• Prevents constipation: Although the percentage of fiber is low, if consumed constantly it helps digestive health and prevents gastrointestinal diseases.
• Protects eyesight: The vitamin A content, in addition to being an antioxidant, helps improve vision.
• Improves blood circulation: The vitamin K and iron content favor the circulatory system, controlling blood clotting. It also prevents cardiovascular diseases.
• Promotes skin protection: the trio of antioxidant vitamins is beneficial for the skin, nails, teeth, and hair. They prevent premature aging.
• Prevents fluid retention: thanks to potassium and low sodium levels, it helps eliminate toxins and prevent fluid retention. For this reason, it is said to have diuretic properties.
• Prevents cancer: Studies have identified the property of being protective against different types of cancer, such as kidney and prostate cancer. It also protects the lungs, stomach, and intestines.

Raw or cooked?

Tomatoes contain lycopene, which has antioxidant properties that give them an attractive red color. In addition, it is responsible for many of the benefits of this fruit: it protects bones and cells and gives it digestive properties.

The best sources of lycopene are found in cooked tomato products, as it is best absorbed after heat has broken down cell membranes. Purees, sauces, and concentrates therefore promote the absorption of this ingredient.

Morataya emphasizes that tomatoes can be cooked in any way, as they do not lose their properties. Raw or cooked, they will provide benefits to the body. “When we prepare them crushed and then cook them with a little olive oil, the absorption of lycopene increases,” he adds.