Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in Germany. But are they he althy? What is in a tomato? We'll tell you.
Tomatoes are simply delicious, especially when they come from your own garden. In the 2012/2013 marketing year, for example, 1.7 million tons of tomatoes were eaten by the Germans. That is 20.6 kilograms per head. So it's no wonder that the tomato is one of the most popular vegetables in Germany. But is the little red ball really that he althy? Yes, she is, and very much so. Not only are tomatoes low in calories, they also have many other benefits inside.
Here are the 6 most important facts about tomatoes
❶ Low Calorie Vegetables:
The tomato consists of 95 percent water, which is why it is classified as very low in calories. There are just 17 calories per 100 grams of tomatoes. Due to the quick feeling of satiety and the few calories, tomatoes are perfect for a diet.
Anyone who owns a garden and can plant tomatoes can count themselves very lucky. Fruit and vegetables always taste best from your own garden.
❷ Protection against sunburn:
Yes, you read that right, tomatoes protect against sunburn. The lycopene, which is responsible for the red color, ensures that free radicals are intercepted from the sun's rays. These radicals can destroy our he althy skin cells. In addition, the protein procollagen is formed, which ensures he althy skin and greater protection from the sun.
In addition, lycopene is also associated with skin aging and cancer. The secondary plant substance is said to slow down skin aging and reduce the risk of developing cancer in the prostate, lungs and stomach.
IMPORTANT:
However, regular consumption of tomatoes during extended sunbathing is not enough to protect against sunburn. So don't forget to apply lotion!
❸ prevent cardiovascular diseases:
High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are often the causes of arteriosclerosis. This hardening of the arteries is probably the most common cardiovascular disease in Germany. The plant compound lycopene takes a positiveInfluence on the cholesterol in the blood and thus prevents cardiovascular diseases in the body.
❹ Vitamin Bomb:
It is not only the lypocin that makes the tomato so valuable, it also contains many important vitamins. The proportion of vitamin C is particularly high. 100 grams of tomatoes contain around 20 mg, which covers around half of the daily requirement for an adult. In addition to vitamin C, the tomato also contains vitamins A and E as well as important vitamins from the B series.
❺ Rich in Potassium:
If you eat enough tomatoes, you don't need to worry about a potassium deficiency. Tomatoes are rich in potassium. This mineral has a dehydrating and diuretic effect on the body.
CAUTION:
If you are prone to kidney stones and don't drink enough fluids, you should limit your consumption of tomatoes as much as possible. Tomatoes contain stone-forming oxalic acid.
❻ Acid-base balance:
A household that is too acidic (acid-base balance) can be the trigger for diseases such as gout. Of course, it is now important that you steer the relationship back on the right track. Because tomatoes have a diuretic effect, they support the kidneys in their work and ensure that excess acid is excreted. In addition, tomatoes have a positive effect on the blood. They are blood-forming and blood-purifying.
Positive aspects of tomatoes at a glance
- detoxifying
- draining
- digestive
- blood cleansing
- blood forming
- lower cholesterol
- strengthen immune system
- fight free radicals in the body
- protect against cancer
- prevent cardiovascular diseases
Lycopene content significantly higher in cooked tomatoes
It is important to know that cooked products such as tomato ketchup, tomato sauce, tomato soup, and pureed or strained tomatoes contain significantly more lycopene than fresh tomatoes. It only unfolds at higher temperatures, so that the dose in tomato soups, juices and tomato paste is significantly higher than in fresh tomatoes. Your body can therefore absorb more of the plant substance if you prepare your tomato dishes warm. In addition, lycopene is fat-soluble. So always add a drop of oil when enjoying tomatoes.