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It is hard to imagine a daily diet without tomatoes. Their slices are great for making sandwiches or salads, but many people eat them raw. Processed tomatoes are equally popular: without them, standard Italian and Ukrainian cuisine would not be created. Regardless of the form in which they are consumed, they are a source of valuable substances and have a positive effect on health. They help improve heart function, have a beneficial effect on the digestive system, can protect against dangerous diseases of civilization and support the struggle for a slim figure. To get the most out of these benefits, you should know some valuable facts about tomatoes.
A few words about tomatoes
Tomato is a plant from the nightshade family. He is from South America and appeared on European tables thanks to great geographical discoveries and quickly hit the culinary tastes of the inhabitants of the old continent. Although in vivo they can grow for many years, they are not resistant to frost. Therefore, if we grow it on personal plots, it needs to be planted every year. Currently, there are many types of tomatoes that differ in both taste and size. From small ones that are not much bigger than cherries, to large and impressive, extremely juicy.
What can you find in tomatoes?
Tomatoes should be included in the daily diet, as they provide the substances necessary for the proper functioning of the body. They contain valuable elements, including potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium, iron, zinc and phosphorus. In addition, tomatoes are a huge treasury of vitamins, because they contain B vitamins, as well as vitamins K and C. You should know that these vegetables contain acids, such as folic, pantothenic and oxalic. Interestingly, tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that does not lose its properties when cooked.
Why is it worth eating tomatoes?
The list of benefits of eating tomatoes is very long. First, the presence of potassium positively affects the work of muscles, including the heart. In addition, this element helps maintain normal blood pressure. Currently, tomatoes are sold in stores throughout the year, so they can be eaten even in autumn and winter. Vitamin C contained in them naturally enhances the body’s immunity. It is worth knowing that this substance is a natural antioxidant: it helps to eliminate toxins from the body, can delay the premature aging of the body and reduce the likelihood of serious diseases of civilization.
Tomatoes and digestive system
Tomatoes have a beneficial effect on the proper functioning of the digestive system. This is due to the presence of well-absorbed fiber in them, which regulates the work of the stomach and intestines, accelerates the excretion of metabolic products, and also provides a feeling of satiety for a long time. Moreover, it improves metabolism in the body, facilitating weight loss. Tomatoes can be eaten without fear of losing a slim figure, because in 100 g there are only 18 kcal. Eating tomatoes is especially recommended in hot weather: they contain a lot of water, so they prevent dehydration and also quench your thirst.
How to serve tomatoes?
As you know, heat treatment adversely affects the properties of vitamins. As a result, exposure to high temperatures neutralizes them or weakens their work. It turns out that it is also unfavorable to combine them with certain products. The main mistake is to give raw tomatoes with cucumbers. All because of the enzyme – ascorbinase, which oxidizes and thus neutralizes the action of vitamin C. Moreover, ascorbinase is found in other pumpkin vegetables, such as zucchini. Of course, this substance is lost in an acidic environment, so if you do not want to lose valuable nutrients, you can, for example, sprinkle a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers with lemon juice.
Tomato ripening
Tomatoes have a better taste when grown alone. They have an intense taste and a pleasant smell. Harvesting is worth when the vegetables are fully ripe. Unfortunately, they are not permanent because they quickly lose their hardness and can break. If you are not sure if they can all be eaten or processed quickly, you can pick up not quite ripe tomatoes. It is enough to place them on the sunny windowsill, and after a few days they get a juicy, red color. It is worth remembering that in no case should you eat unripe raw tomatoes. They contain harmful substances: solanine and tomato. In excess, they can cause food poisoning and digestive upsets.
