Tomato Juice: The Pros And Cons

Tomato juice is a popular drink that contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is particularly rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant with amazing health benefits. In this article, we will explore both the pros and cons of consuming tomato juice.

The properties of tomato juice

Tomato juice has healthy properties thanks to the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that tomatoes contain. Tomato is often recommended in weight loss plans. Some of the main benefits of tomato juice are:

• the ability to expel moisture and waste.
• the fact that it is low in calories.
• that it is an excellent diuretic

• it could even activate the metabolism to help the body burn fat.

If you drink it regularly in the morning, tomato juice can help you start your day in the best possible way. Especially in combination with a varied and balanced breakfast!

Nutritional value of tomato juice

Tomato juice is a popular drink made from fresh tomatoes. Here is the nutritional information for 1 cup (240 ml) of tomato juice:

• Calories: 41
• Protein: 2 grams
• Dietary fiber: 2 grams
• 22% of the RDI* of vitamin A
• 74% of the RDI of vitamin C

• 7% of the RDI of vitamin K
• 8% of the RDA of vitamin B1
•  8% of the RDA of vitamin B3
• 13% of the RDI of vitamin B6
• 12% of the RDI of vitamin B9
• 7% of the RDI of magnesium
• Potassium: 16% of the RDI
• Copper: 7% of the RDI
• Manganese: 9% of the RDI.

* RDA: Recommended Daily Allowances

As you can see, tomato juice is very nutritious and contains many important vitamins and minerals. In fact, a cup of tomato juice provides nearly the daily requirement of vitamin C, meeting 22% of the vitamin A requirement in the form of carotenoids.

The benefits of tomato juice

High concentration of antioxidants

Tomato juice is a concentrated source of powerful antioxidants such as lycopene, a carotenoid hydrocarbon associated with impressive health benefits.

Lycopene helps protect your cells from free radical damage, reducing oxidative processes in cells. Many studies have also shown that drinking tomato juice rich in lycopene can provide certain health benefits.

A weapon against constipation

Constipation is not something to be taken lightly. If left untreated, it can even become chronic and have serious health consequences. A very simple way to combat it is to follow a diet that promotes intestinal transit.

Drinking tomato juice for breakfast is a great way to combat constipation. Tomatoes are rich in dietary fiber which is essential to combat constipation. Tomato juice can therefore act as a mild laxative. So drinking it every day can help solve this common problem.

Cardiovascular Properties

So it’s important to note that tomato is really a great ally for heart health. In this regard, it contains powerful antioxidants, such as lycopene and beta-carotene, which help reduce the risk factors for these diseases. For example, consider:

• elevated blood pressure.
• too high a cholesterol level.
• plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis).

A study of 584 participants found that those who followed tomato-rich diets had a significantly lower risk of heart disease compared to those who didn’t.

Tomato juice can help boost the immune system

Finally, tomato juice can help strengthen the immune system to prevent and fight infections, flu and colds, among other things. Tomato is rich in, among other things:

• vitamins C, A and B.
• antioxidants.
• minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron.

Contraindications to drinking tomato juice

However, there are a few things to keep in mind before having a glass of tomato juice every morning. One potential problem with tomato juice is acidity, which in some cases can cause digestive problems. Some contraindications to drinking tomato juice are:

• If you suffer from mouth sores, avoid tomatoes as they are acidic. Many people undergoing chemotherapy experience side effects that can cause mouth infections, such as inflammation and ulcers. Acidic foods like tomatoes can aggravate the pain caused by this condition.

• For this reason, people with digestive changes may want to avoid eating tomatoes. So if you suffer from esophageal reflux, heartburn, stomach ulcers or have had digestive surgery, it may be best not to consume tomatoes and tomato juice.
• Due to its potassium content, tomato is also contraindicated in people who should limit the consumption of this mineral. This is the case, for example, in patients with kidney and some heart diseases.