The health benefits and harms of tomatoes, how to choose and store them

The crop is grown in every garden plot. Many do so because they can't imagine a table without this product. And many know the harm and benefit of tomatoes when used for food. Tomatoes have been cultivated for a long time. It will be useful for gardeners to know the properties of the crop and its fruits.

Why were tomatoes previously considered harmful?

People used to be cautious and treated all plants with apprehension. This was true of tomatoes, too. Observing animals eating the plant's tops and dying soon after, no one dared eat their fruit.

They were considered poisonous until George Washington's chef tried to use them to poison the ruler. His plan failed, but the tomatoes proved to be quite tasty.

It was then discovered that it wasn't the fruits, but the plant stems, that were poisonous. After that, the crop began to spread rapidly.

Chemical composition

The substances found in the composition are so diverse that the benefits of using them in food are not even discussed.

Tomatoes contain a wealth of beneficial components for the human body, including vitamins B, C, E, H, K, and PP. The amount of these vitamins is so high that they can rightfully rival some foods considered essential sources.

It contains malic, oxalic, citric, succinic, and other acids. Their beneficial effects on the body are invaluable.

The macro- and micronutrient content is strikingly diverse. The fruits contain substances such as calcium, boron, magnesium, iron, sulfur, phosphorus, iodine, and a huge number of other components. Although their percentage is small, eating the vegetable, especially raw, is undoubtedly beneficial.

Scientists place the greatest emphasis on lycopene, a substance found in tomatoes that gives them color. Its quantity is determined by the intensity of the tomatoes' color. The benefits of this vegetable for humans are undeniable; the crop has an impact on the body.

The health benefits of tomatoes

Its low calorie content makes it suitable for dietary use. Moreover, its beneficial effects extend to both sexes. The health benefits of tomatoes are well-known.

What benefits does the human body receive after consuming this product?

• prevention of cancer;
• strengthening the immune system;
• increase in hemoglobin;
• varicose vein treatment;
• memory improvement;
• cholesterol removal;
• improving blood composition;
• relief from constipation;
• strengthening the immune system;
• improving metabolism.

The benefits of eating vegetables are endless. What's important is that they help improve the health of various groups of people.

It's best not to mix tomatoes with sour cream, as this significantly reduces their beneficial effects.

Cooked vegetables are consumed because they are more beneficial for humans. Cooking increases the amount of lycopene; the longer the cooking time, the higher the percentage.

Salted tomatoes contain slightly fewer beneficial components, but their benefits are still undeniable. Just be careful not to overdo it; too much salt is harmful to the body.

For a man

Men should eat tomatoes daily, as their benefits are well-documented. The fruits are especially prized for:

• improving overall well-being;
• impact on paired sex glands and prostate;
• protection against cancer;
• normalization of reproductive and sexual activity;
• improving potency;
• prolongation of erection;
• removal of toxic substances from the body when working in harmful conditions;
• protein synthesis during physical activity.

Men who care about their health should take a closer look at this vegetable.

For a woman

Eating vegetables is also beneficial for women. Like men, women have their own weaknesses. Eating tomatoes can help replenish these nutrient deficiencies.

Why do women need tomatoes?

• an indispensable product when following a diet;
• reduce the risk of breast cancer;
• prevention of cervical diseases;
• improvement of skin conditions.

Using masks will help maintain the tone of the skin of your hands, face and other parts of the body.

During pregnancy

The beneficial components found in tomatoes help the expectant mother replenish any nutrient deficiencies. This will ensure the baby develops properly. Vegetables are beneficial during pregnancy.

However, tomatoes should be used with caution due to the risk of an allergic reaction. Fresh tomatoes can have varying effects on the liver of expectant mothers, so it's important to closely monitor their health.

Pregnant women should avoid processed tomatoes, as they have the opposite effect. The high salt content can cause swelling, and the vinegar found in canned tomato juice is harmful to expectant mothers.

As for joint health, opinions differ, and the fruits are both harmful and beneficial. It's advisable to consult a doctor. In the last trimester, avoid the vegetable altogether.

For what diseases are tomatoes recommended?

Eating tomatoes can help alleviate the symptoms and progression of certain illnesses. However, before self-treating, consult your doctor.

In case of vitamin deficiency

Eating tomatoes is recommended for both treatment and prevention. Daily consumption of tomatoes helps replenish vitamin deficiencies.

Cataract prevention

People who eat tomatoes protect their eyes from a common disease. The vitamins they contain, particularly vitamin A, help improve vision and prevent cataracts.

For the gastrointestinal tract

Vegetables support the digestive system. The components they contain help the body speed up metabolism, improving intestinal function.

Tomato peel helps improve intestinal peristalsis; the substances it contains help remove fecal stones.

For bone health

The lycopene in tomatoes helps fight osteoporosis. Bones are strengthened and their density is restored.

For the cardiovascular system

Eating vegetables daily improves blood composition and thins it. It helps cleanse blood vessels and improve heart function.

For male potency

The benefits of eating tomatoes include helping to prolong erections and improve potency. Eating tomatoes also affects the male reproductive system.

Anti-cancer properties of tomatoes

The substances contained in the fruits affect the glands:

• thyroid;
• prostate;
• pancreas.

Strengthening protection against cancer. Eating tomatoes helps slow the development of cancer cells.

For skin diseases, for better healing of burns and wounds

The components contained in tomatoes help improve the condition of the skin. They can be used as masks or eaten as a food.

Applying half a freshly cut tomato to a burn or wound helps it heal faster.

Harm and contraindications of tomatoes

Eating tomatoes can sometimes have negative effects on the body. People with gallstones should use tomatoes with caution. Tomatoes contain acids that are harmful to the body. It is not recommended to eat tomatoes with meat, eggs, fish, or bread.

Vegetables are also harmful to those with liver disease. The diuretic effect of fruits has a negative impact on the body of a person with kidney stones.

It is advisable for those who are ill to completely abstain from eating tomatoes during periods of exacerbation:

• pancreatitis;
• cholecystitis;
• ulcer;
• gastritis and other diseases.

The use of tomatoes in cosmetology

The main use of tomatoes in cosmetology is their effect on the skin. The fruits nourish, improve elasticity, and impart a healthy glow.

Tomato extract helps to tighten pores, normalize sebaceous gland function, and eliminate oily shine.

Both ripe and green fruits are used in cosmetology. Their extract is added to creams used to treat various skin conditions. It helps the skin recover after scars heal.

How to choose tomatoes

It's better to grow your own tomatoes. That way, you can be confident in the quality of the product. However, if you have to choose tomatoes from the store, be careful when purchasing. Tomatoes grown with nitrates are especially dangerous. Such fruits will cause nothing but harm.

Avoid purchasing very large fruits in the middle of winter. There's a high chance they were grown with chemicals.

The fruit's color should be rich, and the center should be free of white spots. Buying fruit in winter is risky, as dangerous ingredients may be found among the abundance of fresh vegetables. The skin of tomatoes overfed with chemicals is very thick and rough. It's best to avoid buying such tomatoes.

Recipes with tomatoes

Fresh vegetables are more beneficial. However, they can be cooked. For salads, avoid dressing them with mayonnaise to maximize their benefits. It's better to add unrefined oil, which will help the body absorb the nutrients more quickly.

The lycopene content of tomatoes increases by 1.5 times if the fruit is boiled for 2 minutes. With longer cooking, the concentration increases even further.

How to store tomatoes

The health benefits of tomatoes depend on proper storage. It's advisable to set up special storage areas where the temperature and humidity are adjusted to ensure optimal storage conditions.

For long-term storage, it is recommended to choose special varieties intended for this purpose.

The fruits undergo careful selection and are laid out in single rows in wooden crates. During storage, the fruits are periodically sorted, removing any that are beginning to spoil.

Eating tomatoes has both positive and negative aspects. While this vegetable provides many health benefits, it's important to remember the contraindications.