Tomatoes are not only a delicious fruit and vegetable but also a beneficial medicine. Modern biology and physiology research indicates that the amount of Vitamin C the human body obtains is a decisive factor in controlling and enhancing the body's anti-cancer ability, and patients' need for Vitamin C increases significantly. Therefore, tomatoes are the preferred fruit and vegetable for cancer prevention. The organic acids in tomatoes, such as malic acid and citric acid, not only protect the contained Vitamin C from being destroyed by cooking but also increase the acidity of gastric juice, aid digestion, and regulate gastrointestinal function.
Tomato Color Determines Its Efficacy: Three Tips for Identifying Healthy Tomatoes
For those with weak digestion or insufficient stomach acid, eating tomatoes or drinking their juice in appropriate amounts can help in recovery. The fruit acids in tomatoes can also lower blood cholesterol levels and are beneficial for hyperlipidemia. According to pharmacological research, tomato juice has a slow blood pressure-lowering and diuretic effect, making it a good adjuvant therapy for patients with hypertension and kidney disease.
Different colors of tomatoes have different health benefits. The most important nutrient in tomatoes is lycopene, known for its powerful antioxidant and preventive properties. Red tomatoes not only contain lycopene but also a portion of carotene, which is good for preventing, as well as protecting, the eyes and skin. Orange tomatoes have less lycopene but a higher carotene content. Pink tomatoes contain a small amount of lycopene but very little carotene. Light yellow tomatoes contain a small amount of carotene and almost no lycopene.