Answer:
Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, affordable, and readily available. A medium-sized raw tomato contains approximately 22 calories and 1 gram of fat. They are low in sodium and have a low glycemic index (6 mg of sodium and 3 g of sugar), offering numerous health benefits. This makes them suitable for people on diets, those with diabetes, and individuals aiming to lose weight. While generally safe, daily consumption should still be considered carefully.
Consuming many tomatoes can cause digestive issues, especially for those with sensitive stomachs, young children, or pre-existing digestive problems. Tomatoes can cause poisoning if contaminated with chemicals, which can be difficult to detect visually. Many people experience heartburn or stomach pain after eating raw tomatoes due to their high acidity. Tomato seeds lack nutritional value and can cause indigestion and bloating, particularly when consumed raw, especially with green tomatoes.
Depending on your health and personal preferences, you can choose to eat tomatoes raw or cooked. However, cooked tomatoes offer better nutrient absorption compared to raw ones.
If you have homegrown or organically sourced tomatoes, you can enjoy them in salads, juices, or eat them raw. It's recommended to incorporate a variety of other vegetables and fruits into your diet for balanced nutrition. Choose reputable sources when purchasing tomatoes, wash them thoroughly, and soak them in salt water.
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Depending on your health and personal preferences, you can choose to eat tomatoes raw or cooked. Photo: Bui Thuy |
Depending on your health and personal preferences, you can choose to eat tomatoes raw or cooked. Photo: Bui Thuy
Associate Professor Doctor Nguyen Duy Thinh
Officer at the Institute of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology