The Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and Precautions

Introduction

‘Tomaato, Tomato.’ Yes, whatever you pronounce or call this word, this fruity vegetable or veggie fruit, tomato juice has enormous health benefits and is often regarded as the ‘Powerhouse of Nutrition.’

After a long walk or an intense workout, we all need some fuel to rejuvenate ourselves and restore our energy. So, what is better than a glass of tomato juice? Tomatoes are fresh and nutritious, just like the right salad ingredient we’ve used for many years. It also goes extremely well as an ingredient for sauces. 

Oops! How could I forget to mention that we all love tomato ketchup, but have you ever given thought to how much this luscious veggie fruit helps us retain energy?

Apart from adding tomatoes to the salad, it could be referred to as an energy drink that not only provides vitality but is also packed with antioxidants, nutrients, and essential vitamins that may help kick-start the day.

The scientific name for tomato is Solanum lycopersicum, and it belongs to the Solanaceae family of nightshades. Because of the increasing demand, tomatoes, which are originally from South America, are now also being produced in Central and South Asian nations. 

People of all ages adore and relish tomatoes, which are also known as ‘love apples’ in some places.

you can also read: 6 Incredible Facts of Giloy

Check out the myriad health benefits of tomatoes when included in the diet, as mentioned below:

Provides energy

All you need to cleanse your body is tomatoes because it is packed with antioxidants that help wash away the free radicals that might make you feel lazy. Therefore, put down that cup of coffee since a nice glass of tomato juice might make you feel more energised and fresh.

Assists with weight loss

Yes, that is correct. This salad vegetable’s high fibre and low sodium content makes you feel full, and its juice helps to keep the body hydrated, aiding in weight loss.

Bowls of tomato juice maintain bowel movements

Constipation is no longer an issue, thanks to the high fibre content of tomatoes.  They are helpful in maintaining liver health also.

Promotes healthy hair

Vitamin K, which is excellent for hair, is present in tomatoes. When consumed on a regular basis, either raw or as fresh tomato juice, it will provide your hair with the power and sheen of salon-quality hair. 

Anti-carcinogenic 

In addition to its vitamins, tomato juice contains significant amounts of carotenoids, which lower the risk of breast cancer.

Eliminates strokes 

Numerous studies have shown that the lycopene in tomato juice helps in avoiding strokes.

Boosts immune system

Remember how comforting it feels to have a cup of tomato soup when we are ill? Tomatoes also high in vitamin C, which helps balance blood cells and prepares the body to fight illnesses. 

Novices who intend to hit the gym should inculcate tomato juice in their diet to recover the body post-workout.

Read more: Healthy Benefits of Methi Leaves to boost immunity during winter

Prevents tension and stress

Large amounts of Vitamin C present in tomato juice suppresses stress hormones resulting in lower  tension, stress and depression.

Nourishes your skin

The skin can greatly benefit from tomato juice.

• Take a sip of its juice to get rid of that obstinate skin tan.
• It might help you if your skin is starting to turn pale.
• It has been proven to reduce open pores thereby revitalising the skin and clearing up acne.

Cleanses the toxins away 

Kidney stones, which are extremely painful, are prevented by the chlorine and sulphur found in tomato juice, which also helps maintain liver and kidneys health and gets your body rid of toxins. Just like green tea benefits you by detoxifying the body, tomato juice is also said to have the same effect on your body that too with a flavoursome experience.

Nutrient-dense veggie fruit

The important vitamins included in tomatoes include vitamins A, C, and K, which support bone health and eyesight improvement.

Lowers the risk of heart disease

Because vitamin B6 is present, bad cholesterol (LDL) is reduced and cholesterol levels are controlled, lowering the risk of heart disease.

An excellent ingredient for healthy concoctions

In this age of fitness, numerous recipes have been developed to keep the body in form and shape. People often choose bland or bitter vegetable juices, but the addition of tomato juice to these concoctions gives them a distinctive flavour livening up the bland drinks. Any vegetable juice, such as carrot, spinach, or bitter gourd juice, can be more tasty when complemented with tomato juice.

How is tomato juice used?

Here are some uses for tomato juice:

• To make a cool energy drink, use tomatoes.
• It may be consumed as a detox beverage.
• It can be used to make ketchup, tomato sauce, soups, and a basic gravy for many types of curries.

Before consuming tomatoes juice every day, patients must speak with an Ayurvedic doctor. Additionally, we caution you against substituting or stopping your current medications with any ayurvedic or herbal tomato juice formulations without first seeking a doctor’s guidance. According to your health situation, they will advise you on the proper form and dose.

Side effects of tomatoes

Tomatoes are safe to eat, so tomato juice has no negative effects.  

However, consuming too much tomato juice may result in certain negative side effects.

• Potassium levels in the serum may rise due to the high potassium content of tomatoes, potentially causing health problems.

• According to a study (Jones, 2004), consuming too much tomatoes juice increases the risk of developing severe hyperkalemia, a disease in which serum potassium levels exceed the normal range and lead to kidney failure. Click here to check kidney health status.

• Oral allergy syndrome may be brought on by tomato juice. According to a case study (Kawamoto et al. 2003), consuming too much tomatoes juice leads to swelling of the nasal and oral mucosa as well as eye inflammation. 

• You are also recommended to consume tomato juice in moderation if you have kidney issues. You are advised to visit a doctor immediately if you experience any adverse symptoms. 

A list of precautions to take with tomato juice

Consuming tomato juice in moderation is safe. But general precautions must be taken.

• Tomato juice consumption should be restricted for those with kidney issues. It could result in severe hyperkalemia. 
• It shouldn’t be consumed by anyone with a tomato allergy.
• It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Therefore, if you are pregnant, before including it in your diet, you should talk to your doctor.
• Small children and elderly individuals should be given tomato juice in moderation and with caution because they have weakened immune systems and may experience adverse responses.
• Prior to consuming tomatoes, you are advised to speak with a doctor and you should refrain from using it as self-medication.

Final thoughts

Tomatoes are not just good as a salad dressing or a nice topping on burgers and sandwiches, but a glass of tomato juice can help prevent illnesses as well as aid in relieving people from routine stress and hectic schedules.

One can also replace unhealthy drinks such as fizzy drinks, fruit punch, aerated drinks, and other sweetened drinks with the one and only nutrient-dense tomato juice.

In particular, older people can enjoy the healthy benefits of tomatoes as they have a low appetite and are therefore deprived of nutrient-rich diets. Tomatoes can be an easy addition to their diet that is full of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. 

Apart from a healthy diet, regular health checkups can help a person keep track of his or her health status by evaluating body vitals so that one can take necessary preventive measures at the right time. Furthermore, people can also opt for genetic testing to know about any predisposed medical conditions in the body.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the amount of potassium present in tomato juice?

Ans.

The amount of potassium per 100g is 217mg.

Q2. What are the vitamins present in tomatoes?

Ans.

The vitamins present in tomatoes are vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, C, E, and K.

Q3. Does tomato juice burn belly fat?

Ans.

Absolutely. Tomatoes are enriched with fat-burning amino acids.

Q4. Does tomatoes help you sleep?

Ans.

Red tomatoes contain the sleep-inducing super hormone, melatonin, which circulates through the body and helps you improve your sleep quality.

Q5. What is the average number of glasses of tomato juice one can drink in a day?

Ans.

It is often suggested to drink at least two glasses of tomato juice for better results, however, overdosing can lead to major side effects.

Written by: Anjali Dharra

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