THE BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF TOMATO
A native of South America, the tomato is a vegetable known and used in many countries and particularly appreciated for its health benefits.
Plant characteristics
The plant belongs to the family Solanaceae (Solanum Lycopersicum). Some scholars derive its name from the Latin pomum aureus (golden apple or apple) while others relate to the etymology of the Aztec version Xitotomate Tomatl or Nahuatl (Mexican origin). The most common species are: for pomodoricostoluti: Marmande, Pantano, Samar, Saint Peter and Costoluto Fiorentino; for itondi smooth: Montecarlo, Money Maker, Sunrise and Ace; for elongated tomatoes San Marzano, Naples VF, Maremma and Romarzano.
Calories tomatoes
Tomatoes are a fruit rich in water, vitamins and minerals, but low in calories. Even those who follow a diet with caloric restriction can usually consume tomatoes without problems, since 100 grams of fresh tomatoes make only 18 calories. We take advantage of feschi when tomatoes are in season to enrich our diet with these precious vegetables.
1) Benefits for the heart
The consumption of tomatoes is correlated to a decrease in the risk of incurring cardiac pathologies equal to 29%. Tomato, provided it is of biological origin, is considered to be a real natural medication suitable for the prevention of diseases that affect the heart, and not only.
2) Vitamin C content
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, an element considered essential for the proper functioning of our immune system, our body should therefore take on a daily basis in order to protect themselves from disease. The WHO indicates that the amount of vitamin C to be taken daily should be equal to 45 mg. 100 grams of ripe tomatoes contain 25 mg, and 100 grams of tomato paste contains 43 mg.
3) Content of lycopene
Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, is considered a highly protective food for our body against degenerative diseases related to aging processes. Lycopene protects us from genetic damage and subsequent disease. The content of lycopene in tomatoes and equal a11mg / 100 g in the pulp and to 54 mg / 100 g in the peel.
4) anti-cancer properties
The basic nutrients contained in tomatoes, including lycopene aforementioned, conferring to them the proven preventive properties against cancer, with particular reference to cancers affecting the colon and prostate.
5) Properties slimming
The consumption of tomatoes can be considered suitable for all those who need to undertake a weight loss diet. It appears that they contribute to help the body in weight loss. This would occur because the tomatoes would be able to stimulate the production dell’aminoacido carnitine, used by the body for transforming lipids into energy.
6) Prevention of osteoporosis
In the opinion of some experienced a shortage of lycopene in the period of menopausasarebbe able to promote the onset of osteoporosis. And ‘well then consume foods rich in lycopene at any age as a preventive measure (unless specific contraindications individual). As well as in tomatoes, lycopene is contained in foods such as watermelon, persimmon and grapefruit.
7) Control Cholesterol
Tomatoes are considered as foods can help the body to control the levels of cholesterol in the blood. Their consumption is therefore considered suitable for those who have this need. Other foods that can contribute to lowering cholesterol are oat and spinach.
8) Protect Your Vision
The tomatoes are beneficial to the eyes and the view, which are able to protect because of their content of beta-carotene and lutein, able to repair them from degenerative disease. Broccoli, eggplant, squash and zucchini are other foods particularly recommended for protection of the eyes and eyesight.
9) Property digestive
Tomatoes are able to promote the proper functioning of the intestine because of their content of plant fibers, such as hemicellulose and cellulose, which are particularly present in its skin. This is why the consumption of tomatoes is often recommended for those who suffer from constipation and sluggish bowel.
10) a diuretic
Due to its high water content, the tomato is able to stimulate diuresis especially if it is consumed fresh and raw, without the addition of salt. Other foods typical of summer can facilitate the purification of the body through the elimination of excess fluids are watermelons, melons and cucumbers.
