Tomatoes, how much do we know about them?

2023-07-30 08:47:00, Shëndeti Ilir Allkja

Tomatoes are a major dietary source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to many health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer in general and prostate cancer in particular.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a fruit originating from South America.

Despite being botanically a fruit, it is generally eaten and prepared as a vegetable.

Tomato contains about 95% water. The remaining 5% consists mainly of carbohydrates and fiber.

Nutrients in 100 grams of raw tomatoes:

- Calories: 18

- Water: 95%

- Protein: 0.9 grams

- Carbohydrates: 2-4 grams

- Fiber: 1.2 grams

- Fat: 0.2 grams

Tomatoes are also a good source of several vitamins and minerals:

- Vitamin C,

- potassium,

- vitamin K

- folic acid, etc

The content of vitamins and plant compounds in tomatoes can vary greatly between varieties and sampling periods.

The main plant compounds in tomatoes are:

- Lycopene. A red pigment with strong antioxidant properties, lycopene has been widely studied for its beneficial health effects.

- Beta carotene. The antioxidant that often gives your foods a yellow or orange hue, beta carotene is converted to vitamin A in your body.

- Naringenin. Found in tomato skin, this flavonoid has been shown to reduce inflammation and protect against various diseases.

Chlorophylls and carotenoids are responsible for the rich green to red color of tomatoes.

Heart disease – including heart attacks and strokes – is the most common cause of death in the world. A study in middle-aged men linked low blood levels of lycopene and beta-carotene to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Growing evidence from clinical trials suggests that a lycopene diet helps lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).

Clinical studies of tomato products show benefits against inflammation and markers of oxidative stress.

They also show a protective effect on the inner layer of blood vessels and reduce the risk of blood clots (thrombosis).