Why should you eat a tomato a day? Scientifically proven reason

Originally from the American continent, it was brought to Europe by the Spanish conquistadors. However, it was not grown for food until the 18th century, when it became truly popular for its flavor and versatility.

And here is the investigation being carried out Dr. David Murcia-Lesmesresearcher in food science and nutrition, shows how tomatoes “may play a beneficial clinical role in the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure,” which is a major health problem.

What is high blood pressure and why is it dangerous?

In Spain, 11 million people suffer from high blood pressure. This is a condition in which the pressure of blood against the walls of the arteries is so strong that it can cause other health problems:

• Heart disease

• Heart failure

• iron

Archive – Growing tomatoes in a greenhouse in Almeria EUROPE PRESS – Archive

The most alarming thing about arterial hypertension is that it is a silent disease: it does not cause symptoms and in most cases goes undetected.

Excessive sodium intake is a major risk factor for developing high blood pressure, although it is a very important mineral for the proper functioning of our body as it controls blood pressure, blood volume and allows muscles and nerves to function.

World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that salt intake, regardless of its origin, should not exceed 5 grams per day. Or what’s the same thing dessert spoon. For its part, the Heart Foundation indicates that we only need 1.25 grams of salt per day.

Tomato: Essential for reducing the risk of high blood pressure

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology highlights that daily consumption of tomatoes or, alternatively, tomato-based products reduces the risk of high blood pressure by 36%.

To reach this conclusion, the authors surveyed 7,056 participants, of whom 82.5% had hypertension. daily amount of tomatoes. So there were people who took less than 44 grams per day, those who ate 44 to 82 grams per day, 82 to 110 grams, and those who consumed more than 110 grams per day.

The conclusion was that people who consumed an “intermediate” amount of tomatoes, that is, between 44 and 82 grams per day, had blood pressure as diastolic (which is measured during the rest period between two heartbeats) and systolic (which is measured during the heartbeat).

The connection between tomatoes and blood pressure PRELIMINARY

And why does the tomato have such “power”? Everything can be due to the high content in it lycopene, a carotenoid that gives some fruits and vegetables their characteristic red color, such as tomatoes, and is a powerful antioxidant. In addition, this component also blocks the production of angiotensin, which regulates blood pressure.

“According to our results for hypertension, high lycopene intake improves cardiovascular health in older and overweight participants by reducing the risk of stroke,” the study emphasizes.

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, which gives them their red color. Adobe Stock.

Of course, there are no “magic” foods, but we should strive for a varied and balanced diet, rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables, low in saturated fat meats and salty, sweet, fatty or ultra-processed foods. ”

• “Eating habits are complex, but according to the current study, one tomato a day may be an important step and, at least in part, distract the doctor.”

Tomatoes are a source of protein, carotenoids and vitamin C.

As explained by the Spanish Nutrition Foundation (FEN), among the vitamins in tomatoes, “it is worth highlighting the content of vitamin A, mainly in the form of provitamin A and vitamin C carotenoids.” One serving of tomatoes “provides 61% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for the general population.”

As for lycopene, its amount depends on the variety grown. But “chopped or cooked tomatoes and combining them with oil improves the absorption of lycopene in our body.”