1. The Convenience & Health Benefits of Tomato Juice
In today’s busy lifestyle, getting enough vegetables can be a challenge for many. Tomato juice offers a convenient and efficient alternative. How does a daily cup of tomato juice affect our body?
2. Lycopene in Tomatoes and Its Effect on Heart Disease Prevention
Lycopene, found in tomatoes, can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to the prevention of heart disease. Supporting this, a study conducted by a medical university in Japan serves as a notable example.
3. The Study on Tomato Juice Intake and Changes in Heart Health
This study involved 481 participants aged between 20 and 74 years, who freely consumed unsalted tomato juice for a year. They recorded their daily tomato juice intake and health changes, averaging 215mL per day. At the start and end of the study, the team measured and compared participants’ blood pressure, triglycerides, blood cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose levels.
The results showed a decrease in blood pressure among the 94 participants with hypertension or prehypertension. The average systolic blood pressure dropped from 141.2mmHg to 137mmHg, and the average diastolic pressure from 83.3mmHg to 80.9mmHg. This effect was consistent regardless of gender or age group. Also, among the 125 participants with dyslipidemia, the LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels decreased by an average of 3.3%, while there was no change in HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels.
Additionally, various studies have reported the positive impact of tomato consumption on prostate cancer prevention and anti-aging.
4. The Importance of Lycopene Content and Types of Tomatoes
Lycopene, an essential antioxidant in tomatoes, varies in concentration depending on the type of tomato. Generally, fully ripe red tomatoes and small cherry tomatoes are known to have higher lycopene content per gram. This suggests that the color and size of the tomato can influence its lycopene content.
5. Precautions and Healthy Ways to Consume Tomatoes
Pesticide residues may be present on the skin of fruits like tomatoes, so it’s important to wash them thoroughly before consumption. Soaking tomatoes in water for about 5 minutes and then washing them can help remove these residues. Afterward, blending the tomatoes into juice is recommended.
6. The Importance of Choosing Natural Tomato Juice
Tomato juice with added sugar can hinder the absorption of nutrients from the tomato and may increase blood sugar levels. Added sugar not only diminishes the natural nutritional value of tomatoes but can also lead to additional health issues. Therefore, when choosing tomato juice, it’s advisable to opt for products made solely from natural tomatoes, free of added sugar or other additives.