@Steemit community, tomatoes are great for their beneficial and medicinal properties: they include sugar (mainly fructose and glucose), mineral salts (iodine, potassium, phosphorus, boron, magnesium, sodium, manganese, calcium, iron, copper, zinc) . Tomatoes are also rich in vitamins: A, B, B2, B6, C, E, K, P, beta carotene.
Tomatoes contain organic acids and a powerful antioxidant lycopene, which can protect against prostate cancer, cervix, stop the division of tumor cells and DNA mutations, reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In thermally processed tomatoes, lycopene is even higher than in raw tomatoes, so nutritionists often recommend prepared tomatoes.
Tomatoes regulate the nervous system, have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, improve metabolism and digestion, help with asthenia and atherosclerosis, and are also a good diuretic for diseases of the kidneys and bladder.
Many organic acids are present in tomatoes, especially malic and citrus. The salts of organic acids in the assimilation process leave a significant supply of alkaline mineral components in the body and, therefore, contribute to the alkalization of the body and the prevention of acid changes. Therefore, tomatoes maintain the necessary acid-base balance in the body. The low purine content in tomatoes is an important link in the structure of purine-free nutrition for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Tomatoes contain folic acid, which plays an important role in hematopoiesis, and also contributes to the formation of choline in the body, a substance that normalizes cholesterol metabolism. Therefore, tomatoes can be widely used in the nutrition of mature and elderly people, as well as in patients with impaired uric acid metabolism.
Tomatoes are widely used in cooking. They are used as an ingredient in appetizers, first and second dishes, salads, both raw and finished. We have become quite familiar with salads with fresh tomatoes, tomato soups, sauces, pizza and pasta with tomato dressing.
Tomatoes are used successfully for the preparation of various types of canned foods. Fruits contain a significant amount of acid, which makes it possible in the manufacture of canned foods to limit their sterilization in boiling water. Depending on the taste that the hostess wants to achieve, tomatoes can be pickled, salted, boiled in sweet sauce, juice or compote. As a general rule, sugar, salt, vinegar, citric acid and all kinds of spices are used in any type of canning.
With proper preparation, the tomato can be stored in a cool and dark place for several years. These preserves are always an excellent addition to side dishes, meats, fish, salads and snacks. A well-known tomato product is ketchup, a rustic tomato sauce with condiments.
According to the rules of a healthy diet, it is not advisable to combine tomato with starch and cereal products. It is recommended to eat tomatoes with herbs and vegetables that do not contain starch. It is recommended to take tomatoes with proteins and fats, so their absorption is improved. A useful combination is tomato and avocado, as well as broccoli.