Editor: Chinese Food Network Mobile site
Nutritional Values of Tomatoes
Tomatoes are also called tomatoes and foreign persimmons, originally from South America but now a common delicacy on people's dining tables.They contain abundant lycopene, vitamin C, and B-complex vitamins; their vitamin P content is the highest among all vegetables.Where do the nutritional values of tomatoes manifest?1 Tomatoes contain various minerals, carbohydrates, organic acids, as well as trace amounts of protein, which aid digestion and promote diuresis while inhibiting multiple bacteria.2 The vitamin D in tomatoes can protect blood vessels and prevent hypertension.
3 The glutathione in tomatoes delays cell aging and enhances the body's cancer resistance.4 Lycopene in tomatoes has unique antioxidant properties, eliminating free radicals and protecting cells from cancer.Thus, besides preventing prostate cancer, it also reduces the risk of pancreatic, colorectal, laryngeal, oral, lung, breast cancers, etc.
5 The vitamin C in tomatoes has a thirst-quenching effect, aids digestion, cools blood to soothe the liver, clears heat and detoxifies, lowering blood pressure. It provides good auxiliary treatment for hypertension and kidney patients.6 Regular consumption of tomatoes can slow down the aging process and keep skin fair.Therefore, eating tomatoes helps prevent arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, and coronary heart disease.
Furthermore, consuming tomatoes can improve symptoms such as gum bleeding or subcutaneous hemorrhage.
Ways to Prepare TomatoesOneTomato and Egg Stir-fry
Ingredients: tomatoes, eggs, salt, sugar, green onion.1 Wash the tomatoes, then blanch them in boiling water, remove the skin, and cut into slices.
Blanching in boiling water makes it easy to peel off the skin without affecting its appearance.
2 Beat the eggs in a bowl and add an appropriate amount of salt. Mix well.
3 Heat oil in a pan and cook the eggs until they are fully cooked, then remove them from the pan.4 Continue heating the remaining oil in the same pan, add the tomatoes and stir-fry. Add salt and sugar as needed.
5 Add the eggs back into the pan, stir well, and it's ready to serve.
Tip: If you want a more attractive appearance, sprinkle some chopped green onion on top before serving.
TwoTomatoes and Beef StewIngredients: tomatoes, beef, salt, star anise, Sichuan pepper, cooking wine, sugar.
1 Wash the beef and cut it into chunks; wash the tomatoes and make a cross-cut at their tops. Submerge them in boiling water to peel off the skin before cutting into pieces.2 Boil water in a pot, add the beef and a little cooking wine, and blanch the beef.3 Once the water boils again, remove the beef with a slotted spoon and rinse it under clear water.4 Drain the water from the pot. Heat oil in the same pan, then sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
5 Add the tomatoes to the pan and stir-fry until they release their juice; add some sugar.6 Return the beef to the pan with the tomatoes, stir well, and pour in enough water to cover all ingredients. Bring to a boil again.
7 Add star anise, Sichuan pepper, and salt as needed, then transfer to a pressure cooker and cook for 30 minutes or until the beef is tender.
Tip: This dish has good effects on treating anemia.
Can Eating Tomatoes Help with Weight Loss
Nowadays, there are various weight loss methods such as exercise and dieting. Regardless of their efficacy, they can be harmful to health.
Tomatoes contain multiple components that make them ideal for weight loss; not only do they make the process easier but also ensure balanced nutrition without worry.
If you still have doubts about tomato-based weight loss methods, let's explore its mechanisms:1 After consuming a certain amount of tomatoes, one will feel full, preventing overeating and reducing overall food intake. This naturally decreases the chances of storing other nutrients in the body, ensuring effective weight loss.
2 Tomatoes have low caloric content; no matter how much you eat, it won't result in excessive calories accumulating in your body.After eating tomatoes, one is less likely to crave or consume high-calorie foods. This reduces the chance of converting excess calories into fat.Moreover, digesting food requires energy, so naturally, weight loss and slimming are inevitable.3 Tomatoes can provide various nutrients while also promoting intestinal peristalsis for better digestion.Additionally, tomatoes contain a lot of fiber which stimulates the intestines. As such, toxins and waste in your body can be expelled more effectively, making it hard not to lose weight.4 When you are hungry between meals and want snacks, eating tomatoes will naturally help prevent excessive weight gain due to their satisfying taste without additional calories.
In summary, by enjoying the flavor of tomatoes and absorbing its nutrients, you not only satisfy your cravings but also aid in preventing and treating obesity. What could be more beneficial?Notes on Eating Tomatoes
Tomatoes are both a health tonic and can help with weight loss.
However, they should not be overconsumed; too much of anything can lead to discomfort or adverse effects.
Do not consume tomatoes on an empty stomach as it may cause digestive discomfort due to increased gastric acid secretion.When cooking tomatoes, avoid prolonged boiling and do not add vinegar as it can destroy their nutritional content.It is preferable to eat cooked tomatoes rather than raw ones. Although this reduces vitamin C content, the antioxidant components and lycopene levels significantly increase, making them more nutritious when eaten cooked.
Unripe green tomatoes should not be consumed; those with a lackluster red color have lower lycopene content compared to ripe tomatoes. Be sure to check their color when purchasing.
When selecting tomatoes, avoid those that are pointed at the bottom as they may indicate excessive use of hormones.
Do not eat tomatoes and pomegranates together; it can cause chest tightness and shortness of breath.
Tomatoes should not be eaten with carrots; this combination can lead to feeling chesty and short of breath.
Tomatoes should not be consumed with sweet potatoes, as it may cause kidney stones or nausea and diarrhea symptoms.
Eating tomatoes with pig liver and carrots can destroy vitamin C and impair its antioxidant function.Do not eat tomatoes with salted fish or crabs as it increases the risk of cancer or diarrhea.
How to Choose High-Quality Tomatoes
Tomatoes are common ingredients, both for cooking and eating raw. To buy high-quality tomatoes, you need to know these selection tips; check them out now.
High-quality tomatoes should be without cracks or insect damage, and have a uniform shape. Ripe tomatoes appear red and taste sweeter than unripe ones.Tomatoes are mainly two types: sweet and sour. The first type has high sugar and acid content while the second has low sugar and acid content. If you plan to eat them raw, choose the latter; for cooking purposes, pick the former.When selecting tomatoes by shape, generally, flatter tomatoes have thinner flesh, whereas rounder ones have thicker flesh. Choose plump, uniform-sized tomatoes with small stems that are red, firm, and without damage or deformities.
Tomatoes not only provide various nutrients to the human body, but also have the effect of promoting intestinal peristalsis and digestion.Additionally, tomatoes contain a large amount of fiber, which similarly stimulates bowel movement. In this way, toxins and waste in our bodies can be expelled more promptly; how could we not lose weight?
In between meals, when you feel hungry and crave snacks, your body naturally tends to gain weight.At such times, why not try satisfying that craving with tomatoes? While enjoying the deliciousness of tomatoes, you absorb their nutrients, and they also have preventive and therapeutic effects on obesity. Why not do it?
Notices for eating tomatoes
Tomatoes are not only a health food but also have beautifying and weight loss benefits.However, too much tomato consumption can also cause some bodily discomfort, as excessive is always detrimental.
Do not consume large amounts of tomatoes on an empty stomach; when the stomach acid secretion increases, consuming too many tomatoes can cause digestive discomfort.When cooking tomatoes, do not overcook them and avoid addingvinegar,as it will destroy their nutritional components.
Tomatoes should ideally be cooked before eating. Although this reduces Vitamin C content, the antioxidant components and lycopene content are significantly increased, making cooked tomatoes more nutritious than raw ones.
Unripe green tomatoes cannot be eaten; those with insufficient red color contain less lycopene. Therefore, when buying, pay attention to the tomato's color.
When purchasing tomatoes, do not buy those that are pointed at the bottom as they may have been excessively treated with hormones.
Tomatoes should not be consumed withpomegranates.Eating them together can cause chest tightness and shortness of breath.
Tomatoes should not be eaten with carrots; this combination can lead to a feeling of chest congestion and shortness of breath.
Tomatoes should not be consumed withsweet potatoes,as it may result in kidney stones, nausea, and diarrhea.
Tomatoes should not be eaten with pig liver or carrots as they will destroy the vitamin C content and affect its antioxidant function.Eating tomatoes with salted fish or hairy crabs can cause cancer or diarrhea.How to choose high-quality tomatoes
Tomatoes are common ingredients; they can also be used as fruits. To buy good quality tomatoes, below are some selection tips you should know about and check them out.
High-quality tomatoes should have no cracks, no insect bites, and not be oddly shaped. Ripe tomatoes tend to be red and sweeter. In the market, there are two main types of tomatoes: large red tomatoes with high sugar and acid content, and pink tomatoes with low sugar and acid content. If you plan to eat them raw, it is better to buy pink tomatoes; if for cooking, choose large red tomatoes.
The shape of tomatoes is also worth checking. Generally, flatter tomatoes have thinner flesh, while rounder ones have thicker flesh. Try to choose plump, uniform, small-stemmed, bright red, firm and without damage or deformation tomatoes.
A good tomato should be without cracks, bites from insects, and not unusually deformed. A ripe tomato is generally redder and sweeter.
The shape of the tomato is also worth checking; typically, flatter tomatoes have thinner flesh while rounder ones have thicker flesh. Try to choose plump, uniform, with small stems, bright red in color, firm without damage or deformities.
