Tomatoes are one of the symbols of the Mediterranean diet, they are very versatile and can be used in a wide variety of recipes – from salads to pasta, as well as in fish and meat dishes.
But tomatoes are also a concentrate of beneficial properties for the body, which further motivates us to consume them often. Some of them are:
- reduces the risk of heart disease
- it is very rich in vitamin C, a basic element for the proper functioning of our immune system
- contributes to weight loss by stimulating the production of the amino acid carnitine, which the body uses to convert lipids into energy
- it helps keep blood cholesterol levels under control, improves the health of the cardiovascular system and prevents the risk of stroke or heart attack
- contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant useful for slowing down the aging process of cells and the progression of degenerative diseases. Lycopene also has proven preventive properties against cancer (especially colon and prostate tumors).
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But how best to consume tomatoes to maximize their benefits for your body?
Both raw and cooked, tomatoes provide some beneficial elements for your well-being, it says New sheet.
Vitamin C is sensitive to high temperatures: this means that if you want to get this element to strengthen your immune system, you should consume raw tomatoes, perhaps in a nice salad or on toasted bread.
But it is also important to consume cooked tomatoes - in the form of pasta sauce or in other dishes - because cooking allows your body to more easily absorb lycopene, which, as we said, performs very important protective functions of cells and slows down aging.
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