Nutrition experts have rediscovered the tomato. They see it as much more than an ingredient in salads or sauces. The healing power that the tomato exercises on a variety of disorders, as well as its preventive effect on certain types of cancer, particularly that of the prostate, make this vegetable a universally recognized medicinal food.
Properties of TomatoesFresh tomatoes contain a great deal of water(almost 94% of their weight. They contain small amounts of carbohydrates (3.545), Protein (0.85%) and fats (0.33%).Its carbohydrates are formed primarily of glucose and fructose.
However, the tomatoes nutritional and therapeutic value is in its rich vitamin and mineral content, as well as its non-nutritive substances.
In terms if
vitamins, the most abundant is vitamin c. Vitamins B1, B2, B6, niacin and folates are all present in significant amounts. Most notable among its minerals are potassium, followed by iron, magnesium and phosphorus. They are also a good source of iron.
Non-nutritive components are substances present in food, which, although not considered nutrients in the traditional sense, play important roles within the body. They include:
Vegetable fiber-Tomatoes contain a small amount(1.1%) of soluble fiber in their pulp and particularly in the mucilage surrounding the seeds. The fiber contributes to the tomato’s cholesterol-reducing and laxative effects.
Organic acids, especially malic and oxalic, which contributes to the tomato’s unique flavor. As the tomato ripens, the concentration of these acids diminishes and its sugar content increases.
In spite of the acidic taste, which results from the presence of these acidic substances, the tomato has the same effect as the lemon: It has an alkalizing effect on the blood, organic tissues and the urine. This is because t contains many more alkalizing substances (mineral salts) than acids.
Lycopene: This vegetable pigment belongs to the group of carotenoids that gives tomatoes their typical red color. In contrast to beta-carotene, lycopene does not transform to vitamin A.
Together with beta-carotene, it is most abundant carotenoids in the human body.
It is found in the testicles, the prostate, and the suprarenal glands.
Lycopene is an extremely potent antioxidant, preventing the deterioration that the free radicals produce in the DNA of the cells
Lycopene intervenes in the mechanisms that control cellular growth. Without its presence, cells reproduce in a more disorderly manner.
Because of its composition, tomatoes are particularly indicated in the following cases:
Prostate conditions: Tomato is the richest food source of Lycopene, the carotenoid that protects the cells of the prostate from oxidation and abnormal growth. Regular tomato consumption in any form has been shown to be an important factor in the prevention of prostate cancer, one of the most frequent cancers among males. It also promotes proper prostate function overall.
Depurant:Tomatoes are remarkable blood alkalizers, which neutralize and help eliminate metabolic waste products,most of which are acidic.They are also diuretic,thus facilitating the work of the kidneys.Their regular consumption is highly recommended to “cleanse” the blood incase of gout(excess uric acid),kidney failure with an increase in blood urea,or chronic presence of toxins in the body because of a diet rich in meats and animal proteins.
Depressed immune system: Because of their richness in vitamins and minerals and above all antioxidant carotenoids(Lycopene and beta-carotene),tomatoes naturally stimulate the immune functions of the body.
Arteriosclerosis:Because of their antioxidant effect,tomatoes prevent the oxidation of cholesterol transported by low-density lipoproteins(LDL),whch causes the narrowing and hardening of the arteries associated with arteriosclerosis.
Cancerous disorders:Regular tomato consumption protects against prostate cancer,cancers of the mouth,esophagus,stomach,colon and rectum.
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