Tomato paste

It is also known as tomato paste or tomato paste. And it is considered Tomato paste It is widely used, especially in Italian cooking dishes, as it is a rich source of many nutrients and is characterized by a concentrated tomato flavor, and does not contain fat.

Nutritional value of tomato paste

A tablespoon of tomato paste contains many minerals and vitamins, such as:

• Vitamin A: Tomato paste contains 244 international units (IU) of vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy vision and fetal development.
• Antioxidants: Contains (3.5 mg) of antioxidants, which play an important role in boosting the immune system and repairing tissues.
• Iron: Contains (0.5 mg) iron, which promotes red blood cell functions.
• Potassium: It contains (162 mg) potassium, which helps the body regulate fluids and store minerals.
• Calories in tomato paste: Only 13 calories

Benefits of tomato paste

1. Cancer prevention

Tomato paste is a natural source of lycopene (a chemical compound that gives tomatoes their red color), and it has antioxidant properties, which help eliminate free radicals linked to disease. Thus preventing many diseases such as cancer. One study found that consuming lycopene helped reduce the risk of prostate, lung, ovarian, and stomach cancer.

2. Promote healthy skin

Eating tomato paste may help protect the face from redness caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. One study in 2001 found that eating (40 g) of tomato paste added to 10 g of olive oil for 10 weeks helped reduce sunburn by 40%.

3. Promote heart health

Lycopene compounds help lower harmful cholesterol levels, help maintain the inner layer of blood vessels, and reduce the chances of blood clots.

4. Improve digestion

The dietary fiber and fluids contained in tomatoes improve digestion health and prevent constipation. However, on the other hand, the acidity resulting from cooked tomatoes may cause some people to develop acid reflux and thus indigestion.

5. Maintain eye health

Tomato paste contains the compounds lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene, which help support vision and protect against eye diseases such as macular degeneration.

How to make tomato paste

Homemade tomato paste has a stronger flavor than its canned counterpart. So, we will review how to prepare tomato paste at home, in simple steps.

the components:

• 5 kilos of tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of kosher salt or sea salt
• 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice or ½ teaspoon of citric acid (optional)

How to prepare:

1. Preheat the oven to a temperature between 160 to 180 °C
2. Wash the tomatoes and cut into four
3. Put the olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat
4. Add the tomatoes to the pot until they are soft and the skins begin to separate from the tomato flesh
5. Warm tomatoes are placed in a tomato strainer in order to separate the tomato pulp from the seeds and skin.
6. Discard the seeds and peel, then add lemon juice or citric acid, and salt.
7. Place tomato pulp on two baking sheets between two large baking sheets.
8. Place the tomato pulp in the preheated oven for about 3 hours, until it turns into a dough.
9. Check the tomatoes and turn them every half hour, changing the position of the baking tray so they reduce evenly.
10. Over time the paste will start to shrink, until it reduces to half making sure that there is no water left in the paste.
11. Now fill the tomato paste into jars, leaving a space of 3/4 inch in each jar.

Tomato paste side effects

Eating tomatoes and tomato paste is generally considered safe Excessive intake of tomatoes It may have some health effects, such as:

1. Stomach acid reflux

Tomatoes contain malic acid and citric acid, which cause the stomach to become excessively acidic. Therefore, excessive intake may cause GERD, especially for those who suffer from digestion problems or GERD symptoms.

2. An allergic reaction

Tomatoes contain histamine, which may cause an allergy or rash, and severe symptoms such as swelling of the mouth, face, throat irritation, and sneezing in those who are sensitive to histamine.

3. Kidney stones

Excessive consumption of tomatoes may lead to the accumulation of kidney stones in the body, because they are a rich source of calcium and oxalate. So when these elements are present in excessive quantities, it is difficult for the body to get rid of them and they begin to be deposited, which leads to the formation of kidney stones.

Now, if you need reliable medical advice, you can contact a certified doctor through this link.