Oh, those delicious tomatoes! 10 useful properties of "apples of love"

Tomatoes... sweet, juicy, delicious, and most importantly, healthy! Low-calorie, fat-free, high in vitamins. What else should I demand from a healthy vegetable?

Although tomatoes are most often associated with Italian cuisine, they came to us from South America. Initially, tomatoes were grown in Mexico, and the conquistadors brought them to Europe. Today it is one of the best-selling vegetables in the world. The largest producers of tomatoes are Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey and China. In France, this vegetable is called pomme d'amour, i.e. "apple of love" (originally it was believed that tomatoes are an aphrodisiac). In Italian, this fruit is called pomodoro — "golden apple", because the first types of this vegetable were yellow.

Tomatoes contain a lot of vitamins A, C, K, B6, as well as folic acid and potassium. They are also low in sodium and low in calories. In addition, tomatoes contain thiamine, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus and copper. Not to mention the fact that it is a rich source of dietary fiber and water. One cup of fresh tomatoes will provide the body with 57.3% of the daily dose of vitamin C, 22.4% of vitamin A and 7.9% of fiber. And 11.4% of the daily dose of potassium, 5.6% of niacin, 7% of vitamin B6 and 6.8% of folic acid.

The beta-carotene in tomatoes (which is also found in potatoes and carrots) protects the skin from harmful UV rays. Lycopene also makes the skin less sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, which prevents the appearance of premature wrinkles.

Tomatoes are also good for your musculoskeletal system. Vitamin K and calcium make the bone tissue stronger and healthier. The same lycopene improves the condition of bones and prevents osteoporosis. Therefore, women after 40 are recommended to include more tomatoes in their diet.

And all thanks to the same component — lycopene. It protects the body from the development of cancer cells (in the prostate, cervix, ovaries, throat, neck, esophagus, stomach and intestines). The antioxidants contained in tomatoes help fight free radicals that damage cells. The beneficial properties of lycopene are enhanced when tomatoes are eaten with foods rich in fat, such as avocado or olive oil.

Chromium in tomatoes helps to maintain the level of glucose in the body at an optimal level. This, of course, does not mean that you can eat sweets recklessly if tomatoes are present in your daily diet. In the end, balance is the main thing.

Vitamin A in tomatoes helps to improve vision (especially at night). Recent studies have shown that regular consumption of tomatoes reduces the risk of macular dystrophy.

Not only does the skin get better thanks to tomatoes, but also the hair cover! Vitamin A strengthens the hair and makes it shiny. Periodically make a tomato mask for your hair.

Tomatoes prevent the appearance of kidney stones and blockage of the gallbladder. Recent studies have shown that people who consumed tomatoes without seeds are less likely to form kidney stones and have problems with the gallbladder.

Carotenoids and flavonoids in tomatoes have incredible healing properties. They help to relieve pain, especially in the back.

Tomato-based dishes will help you stay in shape. Thanks to the water and fiber, tomatoes are an excellent hearty snack. You will lose the feeling of hunger without resorting to the consumption of fatty foods. Tomatoes can be easily included in the diet in various forms: in salads, sandwiches, omelets, soups, baked or in the form of sauce. It does not matter in what form you use tomatoes, you know — you made the right choice!