Tomato Paste Benefits
Tomato paste is made by cooking ripe tomatoes until they reach a thick, rich consistency. This thickening not only intensifies its flavor, but also increases its nutritional value. Therefore, it can be said that the therapeutic capabilities of tomato paste are comparable to, if not superior to, the therapeutic properties of tomatoes.
The benefits of tomato paste are all the favorable effects of this product on human health. Let’s see why this product has found a permanent place in your cabinets and is used as a constant flavoring.
Tomato Paste: A Nutrient-Packed Kitchen Staple
Tomato paste has only 13 calories per tablespoon and no fat. As a result, tomato paste is unlikely to have a significant impact on weight gain or obesity. However, just one tablespoon of tomato paste is rich in antioxidants and can provide 3 to 6 percent of your daily iron, potassium, and B vitamins. The same amount of product also has 244 IU of vitamin A, hence one of tomato paste's benefits is that it helps with eye health, reproduction, and fetal development. Despite the fact that tomato paste contains less vitamin C than fresh tomatoes, a tablespoon of it includes 3.5 milligrams of vitamin C, which can help the human immune system.
It's also contains vitamin K and a number of B vitamins. Since tomato paste contains 5 mg of iron per tablespoon, one of its most important properties is its excellent effect on the activity of red blood cells. Potassium is also present in tomato paste, which is 162 mg per tablespoon.
Health Benefits of Tomato Paste
Considering all the benefits mentioned, let's take a look at the health benefits of this product's ingredients:
1. Anti-Cancer Properties
Tomato paste is one of the best sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and some cancers (such as prostate cancer). Cooking tomatoes (in the form of a paste) increases the content and absorption of lycopene compared to raw tomatoes. According to a study published in May 2002 in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, heat-processing tomatoes increases the activity of antioxidants, especially one called lycopene.
Because lycopene can neutralize oxygen free radicals, one of the most important properties of tomato paste is its anti-cancer properties.
2. Supports Heart Health
Studies show that lycopene helps lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and lower blood pressure. The potassium in tomato paste also helps regulate blood pressure. Its anti-inflammatory properties may improve blood vessel function.
3. Boosts Immunity & Eye Health
This product is rich in vitamin C (although it decreases during cooking) and vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), which boosts immunity. It contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that protect vision and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, a disease that is one of the causes of blindness in old age.
4. Aids Digestion & Weight Management
As mentioned earlier, tomato paste is low in calories (about 25 kcal per tablespoon) but tastes great. This helps reduce the need for added fat/sugar. The fiber it contains also promotes gut health and a feeling of fullness. All of this helps with weight loss and weight management.
5. Versatile & Shelf-Stable
It adds flavor to soups, stews, sauces, and even gravies without the need for added salt or sugar. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for months (or years if unopened) unlike fresh tomatoes.
How to maximize its benefits?
It is interesting to know that there are ways to use its maximum properties. It is better to consider these things when consuming:
- Cook with oil: Lycopene is fat-soluble. Therefore, frying tomato paste in olive oil increases its absorption.
- Choose BPA-free cans: To prevent chemical leakage, it is better to choose glass jars or Tetrapak packages.
- Homemade option: You can even prepare tomato paste yourself fresh, at home and without preservatives. Just boil them for more than 2 hours.
