12 healthy reasons to love tomatoes

Tomatoes are already part of the diet of most people. In addition to being a delicious salad option, giving color and flavor to the most varied dishes, food can bring many health benefits.

Therefore, those who still do not have the habit of consuming it often now have good reasons to include it in their diet. Below you can see a list of the benefits of tomato, pointed out by nutritionist Roberta Abreu and also in important international research:

1. The presence of vitamin A is one of the reasons that make tomatoes a healthy food and 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 for much longer!
2. “Vitamin C, also present in tomatoes, provides strength to bones, teeth, tendons and blood vessels”, says the nutritionist.
3. But not only that. Tomatoes have many other important nutrients. “Sodium and magnesium help with muscle contraction. Calcium participates in the formation and maintenance of bones and plays a role in blood clotting. Potassium balances and distributes water in the body. Also, folate (vitamin B9) is important for metabolic functions”, adds nutritionist Roberta.
4. Tomatoes are rich in a collection of phytonutrients called carotenoids. And recent research from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute shows that higher amounts of carotenoids, including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene, are associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Another precious tip for women attentive to their health!
5. According to the same research in the American newspaper, lycopene, present in tomatoes, can help in the treatment of people with diabetes.
6. Research from the Harvard Health Letter magazine states that diets rich in tomatoes can help prevent stroke. The results were linked to the rich lycopene content found in these foods.
7. The same research also shows that tomatoes, when consumed regularly, due to the large amount of lycopene they contain, can reduce the risk of heart disease. The food proved to be able to help reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
8. Lycopene has also been associated with the fight against aging and has anticancer properties, and may be effective, especially against colon and prostate cancer.
9. The same research from the Harvard Health Letter shows that tomatoes can stimulate the production of carnitine the amino acids that are capable of accelerating the body’s fat burning.
10. Also, including lycopene (found in tomatoes) in a menopausal woman’s diet can help prevent osteoporosis.
11. As tomato is a rich source of phytonutrients, including beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, it can help improve vision and protect eyes from degeneration.
12. Want more reasons to consume it? Tomatoes are delicious and versatile: they can be enjoyed in pasta, salads, soups, snacks and virtually all of your favorite dishes.

What is the best way to consume tomato?

Nutritionist Roberta Abreu explains that tomato, because of all the benefits it offers and not being caloric, can be consumed daily. “The recommendation is approximately one medium tomato a day,” she 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 tomatoes in their natural version, in salads, in savory pies, creams, sauces, soups, etc!

Nutritious recipe: tomato with ricotta

The recipe tip comes from nutritionist Roberta Abreu. Check out the ingredients and how to make it and try this healthy delight:

Ingredients

100g sliced ​​turkey breast

1 cup light curd

Way of doing

Cut the top of the tomatoes and remove the seed with a spoon. Sprinkle with salt and place upside down to drain the water. Chop the turkey breast and mushrooms, mash the ricotta and mix with the other ingredients. Stuff the tomatoes covering with mozzarella, sprinkle with oregano and parsley. Place in the oven for 20 min. Drizzle with oil and serve.

Enjoy this and other recipes to include this important food in your diet!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.