Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family and you can meet them in the warm season on almost every table. Back in the time of Catherine the Great, they were brought into our latitudes from South America.
Few people know that a tomato is actually a berry, different varieties of which are designed for different purposes. So, pink fruits are more fleshy, with a thin skin, yellow varieties contain an increased amount of carotene. Tomatoes are consumed not only in kind, various preservation, tomato-based sauces and, of course, tomato juice are very popular in our country. However, what are the beneficial properties of tomatoes? And are they at all? We will try to understand this issue.
Useful properties of tomatoes
Tomatoes contain a significant amount of pectin, fiber, carotene, lycopene. Of the vitamins in them, there are groups A, B, C, E, vitamin K, macro- and microelements, which have a calming effect on the nervous system, have a pronounced anti-stress effect. The diet, in which tomatoes play a major role, is indicated for smokers, due to the properties of tomatoes to remove toxins from the body. The beneficial properties of tomatoes are truly unique. Due to the presence of natural antioxidants, they are able to slow down the aging process of the body, are characterized by low calorie content and are considered a dietary product. Due to the contained iodine, tomatoes have a normalizing effect on the endocrine system, help strengthen the cardiovascular system due to the presence of potassium. Tomatoes are recommended for people with peptic ulcers, since they have a positive effect on the water-salt balance in the body.
Tomatoes in cosmetologyTomatoes have a pronounced cosmetic effect. So, tomato masks perfectly moisturize the skin, saturating it with vitamins and minerals, smooth wrinkles. With varicose veins, compresses from the pulp of the berry help.
Tomato juice
It is scientifically proven that in its chemical composition, tomato juice is much healthier than such a popular orange. That is why it is recommended to be used by pregnant women and young mothers to maintain the balance of vitamins and minerals in the body. In addition, the properties of juice to reduce intraocular pressure, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect are noted.
ContraindicationsIt would seem that tomatoes, the properties of which have long been studied, are extremely beneficial for the entire human body. However, the beneficial properties of tomatoes are pronounced, provided that the berry was grown in an ecologically clean region, without the use of chemical fertilizers. Otherwise, the tomato absorbs nitrates and pesticides, which is fraught with severe poisoning. In addition, the berry is a very strong allergen, so people prone to allergic reactions should use it with extreme caution. You should be careful with a combination of tomatoes with starchy foods, since such a compound is able to form stones in the kidneys and bladder. The increased acidity that a tomato possesses can also harm those who suffer from urolithiasis or have problems with the gall bladder.