Tomato Juice: Benefits And Disadvantages

Tomato juice is a popular beverage that provides a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and the powerful antioxidants found in this vegetable.

It is particularly rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant with impressive health benefits. In this article we will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of consuming it.

Tomato juice properties

Tomato is often recommended in slimming regimes. One of the main benefits is its ability to act as a draining agent, it  has a low caloric value and is an excellent diuretic, which even has the ability to activate the metabolism to help burn fat.

Consumed regularly and in the early hours of the day, tomato juice helps to start the day in the best possible way.  And much more if we combine it with a varied and balanced breakfast.

Nutritional value

Tomato juice is a popular drink, made from the juice of fresh tomatoes. Here is the nutritional information for 1 cup (240 ml) of tomato juice, as collected in a study published in Voprosy Pitaniia :

• Calories: 41.
• Protein: 2 grams.
• Fiber: 2 grams.
• Vitamin A: 22% of the VDR.
• Vitamin C: 74% of the VDR.
• Vitamin K: 7% of the VDR.
• Vitamin B1: 8% of the VDR.
• Vitamin B3: 8% of the VDR.
• Vitamin B6: 13% of the VDR.
• Vitamin B9: 12% of the VDR.
• Magnesium: 7% of the VDR.
• Potassium: 16% of the VDR.
• Copper: 7% of the VDR.
• Manganese: 9% of the VDR.

* VDR: Recommended Daily Value

As you can see, tomato juice is highly nutritious and contains many important vitamins and minerals. In fact, drinking 1 cup of tomato juice almost covers your daily needs for vitamin C and meets 22% of your requirements for vitamin A in the form of carotenoids. Keep in mind that this vitamin has been shown to be essential for the functioning of the immune system.

Tomato juice benefits

We are going to present you the main benefits of consuming tomato juice.

High concentrations of antioxidants

Tomato juice is a concentrated source of powerful antioxidants like lycopene, a carotenoid plant pigment that has been linked to impressive health benefits.

Lycopene protects cells from free radical damage, thus reducing oxidative processes in cells. Many studies have shown that drinking lycopene-rich tomato juice has beneficial health effects.

In fact, the latest research links the consumption of this phytonutrient with a lower risk of developing certain types of tumors, such as the prostate.

A weapon against constipation

Constipation is not something to be taken lightly. In effect, it can become chronic if left untreated and lead to serious health consequences. A very simple way to combat it is to start the day with a diet that promotes intestinal transit.

Including tomato juice with breakfast is a great way to combat constipation. Tomato is rich in fiber and acts as a mild laxative that, consumed daily, helps to solve this common problem.

Cardiovascular virtues

It is important to bear in mind that the tomato is a great ally of heart health. They contain powerful antioxidants, such as lycopene and beta-carotene, which help reduce risk factors for these diseases, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol or the accumulation of fat in the arteries (atherosclerosis).

A study that included 584 people revealed that those who had diets rich in tomatoes had a significantly lower risk of heart disease compared to those who had a low intake of tomatoes.

Helps to strengthen the immune system

Tomato juice helps strengthen the immune system, strengthen defenses to prevent and avoid infections, flu, colds, etc. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C, A, B, D and K, as well as antioxidants, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron.

Contraindications of tomato juice

• Tomato is one of the foods not recommended when suffering from sores or canker sores in the mouth, due to its acidity. Many people who follow chemotherapy treatments suffer as a side effect mucositis, which causes inflammation and sores, and whose pain is accentuated by acidic foods such as tomatoes.
• For the same reason, people with alterations in the digestive system should avoid its consumption. So, if you suffer from esophageal reflux, heartburn, stomach ulcers or have undergone digestive surgery, it is preferable not to consume it.
• Due to its potassium content, the intake of tomato is also contraindicated in those people who must restrict the consumption of this mineral. As is the case in patients with kidney or heart disease, insulin deficiency or metabolic acidosis.

Tomato juice, a product with benefits

As you have seen, the regular intake of tomato juice offers several health benefits. Despite also having contraindications, almost everyone can include this food in their diet.