Are vegetables healthier than tomatoes?
Tomatoes are high in essential minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and lycopene, and low in calories. Try them in an omelet, over avocado toast, or in pico de gallo. They are delicious, both raw and cooked. They can also serve as a foundation for gazpacho and be used in pasta, soup, and salsa recipes.
C vitamin
Astaxene
Tomatoes are naturally red because of the carotenoid antioxidant lycopene. Research has connected increased cardiovascular health and a decreased risk of cancer to dietary lycopene. Tomato-based goods, including sauce and paste, are the most popular source of lycopene. Cooking tomatoes actually makes lycopene more bioavailable, so think about including tomato sauce in your diet (try Eden Organics or other low-sodium varieties). Lycopene inhibits the growth of prostate and breast cancer cells, according to research. Additionally, it halts the advancement of renal cell carcinoma, the most prevalent kind of kidney cancer. Furthermore, males with a lower incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, were those who consumed the highest amounts of lycopene from tomatoes and other sources. Red oranges, papaya, watermelon, pink grapefruit, and papaya are other foods high in lycopene. When consuming tomatoes or other lycopene-rich meals, make sure to also take vitamin C, as this improves the absorption of lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that helps shield your skin from oxidative damage and maintain its health. Additionally, it may help prevent atherosclerosis and lessen asthma attacks brought on by exercise in certain individuals.
Tissue
A wide range of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals can be found in tomatoes. For instance, studies have demonstrated the benefits of the antioxidant lycopene for heart health, cholesterol control, and vision. The nutritional components of tomatoes that are also important are lutein, naringenin, beta-carotene, and chlorogenic acid. Tomatoes contain vitamin C, which can help reduce inflammation, and folate, also known as vitamin B9, which can support healthy cell growth and tissue formation. A high-fiber diet can also aid in the fight against constipation and other digestive issues. Soluble and insoluble fiber can both be found in tomatoes. Tomato fiber content is unaffected by cooking or canning, according to Colorado State University Extension. Just make sure the tomatoes you choose haven't been smashed, as this can lower the amount of nutritional fiber they contain. Tomatoes are delicious as a garnish on salads, tucked into sandwiches, and added to soups, stews, casseroles, and omelets. They can be used to make homemade tomato juice, and they also provide a great flavor to juices.
Calcium
Potassium, which helps to maintain normal blood pressure and avoid high cholesterol, is abundant in tomatoes. Additionally, potassium guards against heart disease, stroke, and kidney stones. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is known to support healthy skin, as well as vitamins A and K, which support strong teeth and bones. To grow flavorful, firm tomatoes, tissue K levels must be maintained above 3% during the crop cycle. Insufficient levels can result in uneven ripening, yellow shoulders, overgrowth of foliage, and suboptimal fruit weight. It has been demonstrated that potassium enhances the responses to water stress in tomato plants, such as stomatal movement and root water conductivity. But raising the K supply doesn't make up for the yield penalty brought on by water scarcity.