Health benefits of tomatoes
Tomato – fruit or vegetable? For botanists, tomatoes are fruits that belong to the Solanaceae family. But since they contain a small amount of sugar, they are classified as vegetables. Varieties of tomatoes of different colors, shapes and sizes, and there are several hundred of them.
Tomatoes are very healthy vegetables, they contain a number of valuable vitamins A, C, E, B6 and trace elements: potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc), as well as anti-aging lycopenes.
Note! Antioxidants and vitamin C can help boost the immune system. A large fruit covers 60% of the daily requirement for ascorbic acid.
Tomatoes also contain a lot of vitamin E, which is good for the skin and eyes, as well as beta-carotene and its derivatives (lycopene), i.e. powerful antioxidants, substances that neutralize harmful free radicals that are invaluable to our health.
Useful properties of a tomato are due to lycopene, which gives them a juicy shade of red color. Lycopene is one of the antioxidants that protect the body from numerous diseases, and above all from cancer.
Thermally processed lycopene (in ketchups, purees, sauces, juices and concentrates is especially well absorbed by humans.
lycopeneTomatoes also contain B vitamins, including vitamin PP, which has a positive effect on the metabolism of sugar and cholesterol in the blood, as well as vitamin K, which has properties that regulate blood clotting in the body.
Tomatoes are rich in micro-macronutrients. One of the most important is potassium, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the circulatory system. Due to its diuretic effect, it lowers blood pressure. They also contain manganese, copper and cobalt, which are rarely found in foods.
Tomatoes aid digestion due to their fiber.
Benefits of Tomatoes for Skin
Tomatoes for facial skin will help keep it in good condition. They protect the skin from aging and the negative effects of sunlight.
Dryness can be treated with tomato juice (applied to dry skin to keep it hydrated). Depending on what effect we want to achieve, it is worth using a tomato mask at least once a week.
Homemade tomato cosmetics:
- soothe inflammation;
- reduce acne;
- narrow pores;
- nourish and moisturize the skin;
- strengthen blood vessels;
- remove stains;
- reduce age spots, fine lines and wrinkles;
- improve skin tone and protect it from the sun.
Suitable for skin care due to the presence of citric and malic acids. They cleanse and exfoliate the skin, while brightening its color and narrowing enlarged pores.
Homemade tomato scrub helps to get rid of dead cells by mechanical rubbing.
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C for skin. Beta-carotene, lutein, vitamin E, and vitamin C are compounds in tomatoes that have anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to strengthening the immune system, it can stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity.
B vitamins contribute to the restoration of cells. They reduce sun damage. Eating tomatoes cannot replace sunscreen, but it can be a healthy addition to sunscreen.
Tomato face masks
A full-fledged “cosmetic” that will refresh, brighten and smooth the skin no worse than pharmacy products. And it’s incredibly cheap. Tomato masks moisturize and nourish the skin, tighten pores and soothe inflammation, and lead to fewer wrinkles.
Additional Information! Tomatoes are acidic and can irritate sensitive skin. In this case, it is better to do a small test to make sure that peeling with tomato does not cause side effects.
Choose ripe, fleshy tomatoes, but for a face with dark spots and broken capillaries, green ones are best because they whiten much more.
Tomato-yogurt mask will refresh tired skin
Add a tablespoon of natural yogurt and oatmeal to the juice from the tomato. After 5 minutes, massage the mass into the skin with light massaging movements. After 10 minutes, remove with a damp gauze and rinse with water. This mask purifies and brightens tired skin.
With lemon juice whitens age spots
Mix the tomato with 1/2 lemon juice and a little potato flour. Apply to face for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
With olive oil moisturizes dry skin
Mix a tablespoon of pulp with a teaspoon of olive oil. Apply to face and wash off with warm water after a quarter of an hour. This mask moisturizes and nourishes dry skin well.
Tomato mask with honey and cucumber
Mix a small tomato, 1/2 green cucumber and a tablespoon of honey. Apply the resulting slurry on the face for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water. This will be helpful for oily skin.
Egg yolk with starch will tighten mature skin
Rub the tomato through a sieve, mix with the yolk and a spoonful of rice starch. Spread the mass over the face, wash off after 10 minutes.
Tomato mask with cottage cheese
Mix two tablespoons of tomato juice with 2 tablespoons of fatty cottage cheese. Wash off face after 10 minutes. Suitable for all skin types.
Mask of sorrel and tomatoes against acne
Helps to get rid of blackheads, pimples and blemishes. For acne, it is recommended to apply masks of sorrel leaves and tomato slices on the face every other day. Such treatment is carried out within 3-4 weeks.
Cleansing tonic with tomato juice
Juice from a fresh juicy tomato is applied to the face with a cotton pad. Leave a thin layer of juice for about a quarter of an hour. After this time, wash off with warm water.
Tomato is an excellent cosmetic product. Tomato masks will have a milder effect on the skin, while nourishing and regenerating it. These vegetables are often used in weight loss diets. The calorie content of tomato provides a small amount of calories and gives a feeling of satiety for a long time. Unfortunately, tomatoes can cause heartburn as well as allergies.
