Tomatoes have the effects of weight loss, eliminating fatigue, increasing appetite, improving protein digestion, and reducing bloating and indigestion. A dish of sugar-coated tomatoes, chilled in the refrigerator, is an absolute appetizer.
Are redder tomatoes better at preventing cancer?
Currently, there is no very effective treatment for cancer, so people often "turn pale at the mention of cancer". In recent years, more and more products claimed to prevent or fight cancer have appeared. Among the anti-cancer or health foods recommended by various world organizations, tomatoes are always at the top of the list. A large number of epidemiological surveys and animal experiments have found that the excellent performance of tomatoes in cancer prevention and treatment is mainly due to lycopene.
How does lycopene prevent and fight cancer?
First, through a series of biochemical reactions, lycopene can promote the differentiation of cancer cells (transforming them in a benign direction) and inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells.
Second, it can enhance the human immune function. Lycopene can promote the secretion of some cytokines with anti-cancer and anti-cancer effects, such as interleukin-II, and activate the lytic effect of lymphocytes on cancer cells; activated lymphocytes can then release cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor, which have a killing effect on tumor cells.
Third, lycopene has a strong antioxidant effect. The aging, damage, and mutation of cells are related to the action of free radicals, while antioxidants (such as lycopene) can effectively scavenge free radicals, thereby exerting a whole-body health effect, which includes playing an important role in cancer prevention.
Three easy ways to peel tomatoes
Roasting:
Skewer the bottom of the tomato with a fork and roast it over a flame for about 10 seconds. The skin of the tomato will crack. After cooling for a few seconds, tear off the skin with your hands, and the peeled skin will be very complete.
(Roasting: Among the three methods, this is the shortest in time, yields the most complete peel, and is the most convenient!!!)
Boiling:
Pour water into a pot, bring it to a boil over high heat, and then put the tomatoes in to boil for about 20 seconds. You must constantly turn the tomatoes with a spoon so that all parts of the tomato can be scalded by the boiling water. Alternatively, put more water in the pot to cover the tomatoes.
After removing, let it cool for a minute, then tear off the skin. However, your hands will still feel slightly hot, and it's not easy to hold. The tomato is a bit slippery during the peeling process.
(Boiling: Although the time required is not too long, you have to count the time to boil the water, the time to boil the tomatoes, plus the cooling time, which adds up to at least 5 minutes. Moreover, it wastes a pot of water and gas fees. Although the amount is not large, it can accumulate over time and might be a shocking figure.)
Scraping:
Using a spoon to scrape is also a method. The choice of spoon is quite important; the edge of the spoon should not be too thin or too thick. For example, if you scrape with an iron spoon, the tomato is very likely to break; but if you use a white porcelain soup spoon, the edge is too smooth and it's very laborious. I think stainless steel and plastic spoons are both good choices.