Tomato is already part of most people's diets. In addition to being a delicious salad option, giving color and flavor to various dishes, food can bring many health benefits.
Therefore, those who do not have the habit of consuming it often, now have good reasons to include it in the diet. Below is a list of the benefits of tomatoes, pointed out by nutritionist Roberta Abreu and also in important international research:
- The presence of vitamin A is one of the reasons that make tomatoes a healthy food that can bring many health benefits. "This vitamin has antioxidant action, responsible for fighting free radicals, which accelerate aging," explains nutritionist Roberta Abreu. Valuable tip especially for women who want to preserve their natural beauty much longer!
- "Vitamin C, also present in tomatoes, provides resistance to bones, teeth, tendons and blood vessels," says the nutritionist.
- But not only that. Tomatoes have many other important nutrients. Sodium and magnesium assist in muscle contraction. Calcium participates in the formation and maintenance of bones and acts in blood coagulation. Potassium balances and distributes water in the body. And is folate (vitamin B9) important for metabolic functions ?, adds nutritionist Roberta.
- Tomatoes are rich in a collection of phytonutrients called carotenoids. And recent research from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute shows that most carotenoids, including alpha carotene, beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene, are associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Another precious tip for women aware of their health!
- According to the same research from the American newspaper, lycopene, present in tomatoes, can help treat people with diabetes.
- Harvard Health Letter research says that tomato-rich diets can help prevent stroke. The results were associated with the rich lycopene content found in these foods.
- The same research also shows that tomatoes, when consumed regularly due to the large amount of lycopene they have, can reduce the risk of heart disease. The food proved to be able to help lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Lycopene has also been associated with the fight against aging and has anticancer properties, and may be effective especially against colon and prostate cancer.
- The same research from Harvard Health Letter shows that tomatoes can stimulate carnitine production to amino acids that are able to accelerate body fat burning.
- Also, including lycopene (found in tomatoes) in a menopausal woman's diet can help prevent osteoporosis.
- Because tomatoes are a rich source of phytonutrients, including beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, it can help improve vision and protect the eyes from degeneration.
- Want more reasons to consume it? Tomatoes are delicious and versatile: they can be enjoyed in pasta, salads, soups, snacks, and just about any of your favorite dishes.
What is the best way to consume tomatoes?
Nutritionist Roberta Abreu explains that tomatoes, because of all the benefits it offers and not being caloric, can be consumed daily. "The recommendation is about an average tomato a day," he says.
However, warns the nutritionist, industrialized tomato sauce does not have the same benefits because of the preservatives it contains. Therefore, it should not be consumed in excess.
So, you know, prefer to use the tomato in its natural version, in the salad, salted pies, creams, sauces, soups etc!
Nutritious Recipe: Ricotta Tomato
The recipe tip is from nutritionist Roberta Abreu. Check out the ingredients and how to make and try this healthy delight:
Ingredients
- 10 tomatoes
- 100g of sliced turkey breast
- 100g of champignon
- 300g of Ricotta
- 100g Grated Mozzarella
- Green Smell
- Olive oil
- 1 cup of light curd
Way of doing
Cut the top of the tomatoes and remove the seed with a spoon. Sprinkle salt and pour over to drain water. Chop the turkey breast and champignon, mash the ricotta and mix with the other ingredients. Stuff the tomatoes by covering with mozzarella, sprinkle oregano and green smell. Bake for 20 min. Drizzle with olive oil and serve.
Enjoy this and other recipes to include this important food in your diet!
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