Author: Mark Velov
Time for reading: ~2
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
In this article, learn more about The Content Of Lycopene In Tomatoes Makes It Valuable Against Cancer. What else is a tomato good for?.
Which is the fruit we cook the most and almost literally no dish would be delicious if we didn't add it? Of course - the tomato .
Tomato is rich in vitamin C - a medium-sized (200 g) provides 40% of the necessary anti-inflammatory ascorbic acid in the body. Tomato is rich in vitamin A, K, E . It also contains some B vitamins such as thiamine, vitamin B6, folate, niacin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid.
Of the minerals, it is richest in potassium and manganese . Copper, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, calcium and iron are found.
It contains a lot of water - 94.5 g per 100 g, which explains our tendency in the summer to rush to the tomato or salad, which contains it richly.
Although it is low in calories - only 18 calories per 100 g, the energy it gives is from the carbohydrates in it, which are a total of almost 4 g. 1.2 g of these carbohydrates are fiber, the rest - sugars.
Compared to other foods that provide energy only from carbohydrates, tomatoes do not pose a risk to weight and people with diabetes. It has a low glycemic load - 1.
Among the few fats that include - 0.2 g, half are polyunsaturated, mostly omega-6 (80 mg) and omega-3 (3 mg).
The proteins in tomatoes are also very small - 0.9 g . But it contains amino acids such as threonine, tryptophan, valine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine and methionine.
Because lycopene is good for the heart , it helps remove bad cholesterol from the blood and prevent conditions such as atherosclerosis. 1
According to some studies, lycopene neutralizes some of the bad effects of smoking , which makes it suitable in the fight against the higher risk of lung cancer and more. A review of a large number of studies has found that lycopene has beneficial effects against cancer of the stomach, colon, pancreas, prostate, bladder, breast, ovary, cervix, esophagus and throat. 2
Due to the large amount of vitamin A, the tomato is useful for good vision and eye health and is necessary for the prevention of macular degeneration associated with aging , and in combination with vitamin C has a beneficial effect on the skin and collagen synthesis .
Among its antioxidants, in addition to vitamin C, lycopene and beta-carotene, is vitamin E. Their presence, as well as potassium and fiber are good for normalizing blood pressure. Fiber is also extremely good for intestinal health.
Tomatoes are also useful for the prevention of gallstones .