Tomato juice is a drink that contains a wide range of substances that the human body needs. It is worth noting lycopene, an antioxidant that has important health benefits.
The juice may seem less healthy than the entire tomato due to the highest percentage of sodium that some products brands contain. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the properties of this vegetable, know what are the benefits and damages of tomato juice for the woman’s body, to understand how and what violations will help you.
Nutritional value and composition
Tomato juice is a drink made from fresh tomatoes. Although today you can buy in any store, many producers combine it with other vegetable juices, in particular, celery, carrot, beet.
Useful tomato juice properties for women are undeniable – 1 tablespoon (about 240 ml) 100% drink contains:
- A: 22% of the recommended daily amount;
- С: 74%;
- К: 7%;
- B1: 8%;
- В3: 8%;
- В6: 13%;
- В9: 12%.
- Magnesium: 7%;
- Potassium: 16%;
- copper: 7%;
- Manganese: 9%.
As you can see, the nutritional value of the tomato juice is default by a series of valuable components. In particular, the use of only 1 tablespoon (240 ml.) Almost covers the daily needs of vitamin C, and 22% vitamin A in carotenoids.
Carotenoids become vitamin A in the body. It is important for acute vision and proper repair of tissues. In addition to becoming vitamin A, carotenoids act as strong antioxidants, protecting cells from damage caused by unstable molecules.
We refer to free free radicals that cause the damage associated with chronic diseases, particularly heart disorders. It is also believed that they are responsible for accelerating the aging process.
Tomato juice is also characterized by the presence of magnesium and potassium in its composition. These minerals favor the health of the heart. The B complex is important for the correct metabolism and other bodily functions.
Tomato juice properties for women
This drink is beneficial for the female organism. But we are talking about a drink prepared at home. The juice bought in the store can contain various substances, not always beneficial.
Why tomato juice is good for women
- It reinforces the organism’s defenses, prevents flu, cancer, protects cells;
- antiseptic action, detoxifying;
- It favors digestion, regularizes deposits, cleanses the digestive tract;
- Soft diuretic effect, surfing system;
- Cholesterol reduction, blood sugar;
- Improve the quality of the skin, hair and nails;
- Calm down the nervous system, relieve stress, favors brain activity.
Useful properties
Tomato juice is a concentrated source of powerful antioxidants associated with beneficial properties for the human organism. In particular, Europeans obtain more than 80% of tomato lycopene. It is a substance that prevents cell damage and reduces the inflammation of the body.
In a 2-month analysis in which 30 women participated, it was observed that those who regularly consumed 280 ml of tomato juice (= 32. 5 mg of lycopene) had a significant reduction in inflammatory proteins (adipoks). There was also a remarkable increase in blood lycopene, an expressive reduction in cholesterol and body weight.
Another analysis in which 106 overweight women participated that taking 330 ml of tomato juice for 20 days produced an expressive reduction of interleukine 8 (IL-8) and the necrotal tumor factor Alfa (TNF-A) compared to acontrol group that took a placebo.
A 5-week health analysis of 15 individuals discovered that individuals who drank 150 ml of tomato juice per day (= 15 mg of lycopene) apparently had reduced serum levels of 8-oxo-2′-oxiguanosin ( 8-Oxodg). The 8-Oxodg is a marker of the DNA damage mediated by free radicals. It has been demonstrated above that their levels increase with chronic disorders, including serious (breast cancer, heart disease).
In addition to lycopene, vitamin C and β-carotene, substances with strong anti-inflammatory properties, they are also responsible for the antioxidant properties of tomato juice.
Prevent chronic diseases
A diet rich in tomatoes and derived products, particularly tomato juice, is a good preventive measure against a series of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is beneficial to include these vegetables in the daily menu.
Reduce the risk of vascular and cardiac disorders
Tomato has long been known as a product that favors the proper functioning of the heart, maintaining this healthy organ. As already mentioned, these vegetables contain antioxidants, lycopene and β-carotene, which reduce the risk factors of heart disorders such as hypertension, high cholesterol and the formation of fatty deposits in blood vessels (atherosclerosis).
Small studies in which 584 people have participated have shown that those who prefer a diet containing tomatoes and derived products have a much lower risk of suffering vascular and cardiac disorders than people with low tomato consumption.
Other tests have shown that lycopene, used in doses greater than 25 mg per day, reduces cholesterol by approximately 10% and significantly decreases blood pressure in blood vessels.
Cancer protection
Several analyzes that investigate the effects of substances present in tomatoes have demonstrated another benefit of tomato juice for women: an anticancer effect.
A review of 24 trials related the consumption of tomatoes and products derived with a significant reduction in the risk of breast cancer. It was discovered that tomato spotlight extract inhibits the growth of cancer cells and even induces apoptosis (cell death).
Animal studies have discovered a protective effect of tomatoes against melanoma. The mice that took the tomato extract for 35 weeks had a much lower risk of developing a neoplasia when exposed to UV rays than rodents with the control diet.
Although these results are promising, it is necessary to continue investigating to understand the effects of tomatoes on the development of cancer in humans.
Organism detoxification
Tomato juice has a detoxifying effect on the body due to the presence of chlorine and sulfur. The liver and kidneys are responsible for organism’s detoxification. Therefore, it is important to maintain the health of these organs.
Natural chlorine helps liver and kidneys to work properly and sulfur protects them from infections. Since tomatoes and tomato juice contain both elements, their consumption guarantees a therapeutic process of detoxification.
Hair tomato juice? Yeah.
Vitamins and tomato juice iron shine damaged hair. These substances also help eliminate the itching from scalp and dandruff. Simply apply fresh tomato juice on the scalp and hair after shampoo and let it act for 4-5 minutes. Clarify with warm water.
Possible damage and contraindications
Although tomato juice is nutritious and healthy, its consumption has some nuances. The first minor inconvenience is flavor. Many people simply do not like to drink vegetable juices. But it is a subjective sensation. An advice? Overcome the aversion.
Another small inconvenience of the drink is that its fiber content is slightly lower than that of whole tomatoes. However, it contains the largest amount of dietary fiber compared to other fruit and vegetable juices.
The last disadvantage is the possible worsening of the condition of people with reflux disease. Regular consumption of this healthy drink has no side effects, even when taken in large quantities. But it can be harmful if uric acid levels are high.
How to choose when buying
Let’s go back to the drawbacks. The biggest drawback is the high percentage of sodium in store-bought juices. Many manufacturers add salt (some drinks contain 980 mg of sodium, 43% of the RDA). This can cause problems, especially in people whose diet requires sodium reduction for medical reasons.
A diet with a high percentage of salt can cause hypertension. Therefore, choose your tomato juice carefully, pay attention to the quality and read the labels that indicate the ingredients.
Be aware that many tomato drinks contain other fruits that can increase the caloric and sugar content. Some products may even contain added sugars.
How to make your own
This homemade healthy drink contains very little sugar and is therefore much healthier than store-bought juices. The end result also depends on the quality of the tomatoes, but if you use vegetables from your own garden you will get the healthiest possible product. Sure there’s a bit of sugar as a preservative in the drink, but it’s always better than something bought out of a box…
- ½ kg of tomatoes;
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (white, cane), Himalayan salt or sea salt, citric acid.
- Wash the tomatoes in warm water, cut them into small pieces (cubes), put them in a saucepan.
- Add sugar, salt, citric acid to the chopped vegetables, stew until fully cooked (over low heat).
- It is not necessary to add water, but remember to stir well to prevent accidental burning.
- To store the juice, pour it into a glass jar, close it tightly, and sterilize it for 10-12 minutes at 80ºC.
Tomato Smoothie Recipe
This delicious smoothie will help detoxify the body and lose weight. It can also be consumed just for a change and to please the taste buds.
- 4 tomatoes
- 2 apples;
- 1 carrot;
- 300 ml of water;
- 1 teaspoon of lemon or lime juice.
- Wash the tomatoes in lukewarm water and cut them into pieces.
- Add the peeled and chopped apples and carrots, pour the water, add the lemon or lime juice, blend in the blender until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.
Summer version of the drink
- 1 kg of tomatoes;
- 100 g of sugar;
- lemon;
- salt and pepper;
- ice cubes.
- Finely chop the tomatoes, peel the lemon and add it to chopped tomatoes.
- Mix with the blender and go through a strainer.
- Season with sugar, salt and pepper.
- Add some ice cubes and mix again.
- You will have a pleasant icy drink, which will refresh you on summer days, benefiting your body. Adorn it with vegetable slices and enjoy your delicious flavor.
Consumer rates in women
According to Taiwan researchers who dedicated themselves to studying the effects of tomato juice, it is an excellent help to lose weight and much more. To obtain the effect of its consumption for preventive and therapeutic purposes, it is recommended to consume 1 daily drink of the drink for 2 months. After a short break, you can keep taking it.
How and how long keep
After opening or preparing the juice, keep it in a cool place and consume it within 5 days (store) or 2 days (homemade).
Tomato juice is a healthy drink for many people. It contains a series of nutrients that are good for the body and is an excellent option for people who need a greater contribution of nutrients (elderly, smokers). For example, smokers need more vitamin C.
Since this nutritious drink has enough of this vitamin, drinking it is a sensible choice. Many older people have appetite problems, so they do not consume enough nutrients. Tomato juice will be for them a comfortable and tasty way to meet their essential nutrient needs.
