In summer, the Caprese salad rubs shoulders with the Tomate-Mozza bruschetta and ratatouille on the table. What delight lovers of tomatoes! But do you know the benefits and nutrients that this vegetable offers to your body? Julie Boët, dietician-nutritionist, reveals the six main advantages of regular tomato consumption.
A vegetable rich in lycopene, a protective antioxidant
“THE lycopene is a red pigment with powerful antioxidant effects. It protects oxidative stress cells, and several studies associate its consumption with a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, including prostate “, underlines the dietician.
An asset for the skin
“Thanks to its richness in lycopene, in beta-carotene And in vitamin C, tomato helps preserve the flexibility of the skin, limits the effects of skin aging and protects against UV (in addition to sunscreen) “, says the expert.
Cardiovascular system support
“The tomato, especially cooked, decreases the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (” bad “cholesterol), helping to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis”, she said.
An anti-inflammatory effect
“Some tomato compounds (lycopene, flavonoids) would have a modular effect on chronic inflammation, which can be beneficial in the event of metabolic syndrome, inflammatory or hormonal diseases “, reveals Julie Boët.
Good hormonal support (especially in humans)
“Lycopene is also studied for its protective role on prostate. In men, regular consumption of tomatoes would thus be linked to a reduction in the risk of prostate cancer”, indicates the specialist.
A weak vegetable in calories, rich in water and micronutrients
The tomato is made up of more than 90 % water. “”It is also very little caloric, and brings potassiumfrom vitamin C and various antioxidants to the body. A perfect ally for light and moisturizing summer meals “, says the dietician.
However, even if the tomato has many virtues, it is not perfect:
- Poor fiber: “It does not satisfy little, especially raw, and does not replace more fibrous vegetables like zucchini, green beans or broccoli”;
- Not very satisfying: “It alone is not enough to compose a balanced meal”;
- Acidity: “”In some people, the tomato can be poorly tolerated raw or in sauce “;
- Allergy or sensitivity: “Some people react to the Solanaceae family (such as tomatoes, eggplant, pepper)”, still specifies the expert.
For all these reasons, “If eating tomato every day is interesting for cardiovascular health, skin and cancer prevention, it is necessary to vary the modes of preparation (raw, cooked, in sauce) and to associate it with other vegetables for a real food balance “, concludes Julie Boët.