Is there a place for juices in a healthy diet? Yes, as long as we choose good quality ones, preferably prepared at home. It is worth paying special attention for tomato juicewhich, when drunk regularly, will perfectly support the body. In the following article we will tell you, why it is worth drinking tomato juice, what are the contraindications to its consumption, and we will check what is healthier, tomato juice or tomato.
Tomato juice is rich in lycopene, a pigment from the carotenoid family, which gives it its red color. It has a strong antioxidant effecthelps neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals and protects the body against oxidative stress. Additionally has anti-inflammatory properties, thus reducing the risk of many diseases. It also has anti-cancer effecthelps prevent prostate, pancreatic and stomach cancer.
Lycopene contained in tomatoes also helps take care of the circulatory system, among other things, by reducing too high blood pressure. It also has reducing the risk of many cardiovascular diseases, lowers the risk of coronary heart disease and strokes. Drinking tomato juice regularly also helps reducing too high levels of “bad” cholesterol, and also helps prevent atherosclerosis. It is worth adding that lycopene and polyphenols present in tomato juice have a positive effect on liver health. As if that wasn’t enough, Lycopene has a bone-strengthening effectthus reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
According to the website rybzdrowie.pl, according to research conducted by Japanese scientists published on the website “Food Science & Nutrition”: “Drinking unsalted tomato juice lowers blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels in adults at risk of cardiovascular diseases.”
Tomato juice contains, among others:
- beta-carotenewhich has antioxidant properties, supports eye health and skin condition,
- potassiumregulates blood pressure and helps maintain proper water and electrolyte balance,
- vitamin Cwhich not only supports immunity, but also has an antioxidant effect, and what’s more, it supports proper iron absorption and collagen synthesis,
- vitamin Ealso known as the vitamin of youth, helps take care of the condition of the skin, hair and nails, has antioxidant properties,
- leisureare not only important for pregnant women because they influence the baby’s developing nervous system, but also influence the proper production of blood.
Tomato juice prepared from whole tomatoes also contains dietary fiber, which has a great effect on digestion and intestinal function. Additionally, it also has a stabilizing effect on blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
It is worth adding that tomatoes, as well as tomato juice prepared from them, are low-calorie, 100 g of tomatoes contain approximately 18 kcal, while a glass of juice provides approximately 40 kcal. Therefore, you can consume them without any major restrictions. They are perfect for people who want to lose excess weight. In addition have a low glycemic indexthanks to which there is no sudden increase in blood glucose after their consumption. This is especially important for people struggling with diabetes or insulin resistance. In addition, drinking tomato juice helps hydrate the body. It will be a good choice after physical exercise, it will replenish lost minerals and support the body’s regeneration.
According to the websitezdrowie.interia.pl: “Regular consumption of tomatoes and their products is associated with a lower risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.” Due to a number of health-promoting properties, tomato juice will be an ideal choice for seniors.
Are you wondering how much tomato juice you can drink in a day? The appropriate portion will be one glass a day. If you want to observe its health-promoting effects, regularity will be important.
Who shouldn’t drink tomato juice? Although tomato juice is very healthy, there are some contraindications to its consumption. This applies first of all people who are allergic to tomatoes and those who struggle with stomach diseases, for example acid reflux. Such juice may also be unsuitable for people struggling with kidney diseases.
Both tomato juice and tomatoes should be included in a healthy diet and it is worth using them interchangeably. Interestingly, it is worth keeping in mind that tomatoes in processed form, e.g. juice, contain a larger amount of health-promoting lycopene. However, you should pay attention to: choose products without added sugar, preservatives and large amounts of salt.
The best way will be though preparing tomato juice at home. To make it, just cut three-four tomatoes into cubes, fry them in two tablespoons of olive oil for about 10-15 minutes. This treatment will increase the absorption of lycopene. You can add your favorite spices, e.g. rosemary, tarragon or basil, and a bit of salt. In the meantime, it is worth adding some water, depending on how thick you want the juice to be. Blend the prepared mixture and it’s ready.
Sources: Terazgotuje.pl,zdrowie.to, Youtube.com: @drbartekpl
