rich in antioxidants, this is why it is the main food of the Mediterranean diet and is healthy

The tomato it is the undisputed prince of the famous Mediterranean diet, unanimously considered among the healthiest diets, because it is correlated with protection against cardiovascular diseases and various forms of cancer.
Without tomatoes, fresh, in sauce or in the form of sauces, many of the dishes we love most would not even be imaginable. And, in addition to its color and unmistakable flavour, the tomato makes a first-rate contribution to our cuisine also in terms of Health.

Carotenoids

Tomatoes contain all four major ones carotenoids: alpha- and beta-carotene (the latter precursor of vitamin A), lutein and lycopene which may interact to provide health benefits. In particular, tomatoes contain a good amount of lycopenewhich is believed to have the highest antioxidant activity of all carotenoids.

Precious combinations

It has been shown that if i tomatoes are eaten along with healthier fatssuch as avocado or extra virgin olive oil, the absorption of carotenoids and vitamin Ewhich are fat-soluble substances, can increase by two to 15 times. Animal studies have also hypothesized a synergistic action of tomatoes and broccoli in protecting against prostate cancer.

Vitamins and flavonoids

In addition to carotenoids, tomatoes contain C vitamin And Vitamin E in good quantity. Tomatoes are also rich in potassium, important for muscle activity and maintaining correct blood pressure. Finally, it is worth mentioning i flavonols (another family of phytochemicals that includes quercetin and kaempferol), which act as antioxidants naturals and are present mainly in tomato skin.

The (poorly founded) suspicions about solanine

Tomatoes belong to the Solanaceae family, which includes different plant species, some of which are toxic such as nightshade, others are commonly cultivated for human consumption. The most common nightshades on our tables are white potatoes, tomatoes, aubergines, peppers, cayenne pepper, paprika. What may make you look at these vegetables or fruits or tubers with suspicion is their potential content of solanine, a toxic alkaloid. Are there any health risks? In reality, solanine is only found in sprouted green potatoes and, at low doses, in the other fruits listed, including the tomato, when there are a lot of them immature.

Let’s not give up tomatoes!

So, unless your doctor has diagnosed an allergy to tomatoes, or gastroesophageal reflux (in this case you can try removing the peel) there is no reason to exclude them from the diet. Indeed: thanks to their carotenoid content, in a varied Mediterranean diet, tomatoes help protect our cells.

Tomatoes in the square against tumors

Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st April Umberto Veronesi Foundation ETS returns to the main Italian markets with the seventh edition of «Il Pomodoro per la Ricerca. Good for you, good for the environment”, an initiative designed to raise funds and finance research and treatment in the pediatric field, in order to guarantee the best possible care for children with cancer and increase their expectations of recovery.

Approximately 1,800 volunteers from the Veronesi Foundation will be present in addition 400 distribution points between squares, commercial activities, schools, companies for distribute, a in exchange for a minimum donation of 12 eurosa pack with three steel cans of tomatoes, in the peeled, pulped and cherry tomatoes versions: an initiative made possible thanks to the collaboration and support of ANICAV (National Association of Industrial Vegetable Food Preserves) and Ricrea (National Consortium for Recycling and Recovery of Steel Packaging) .