Tomatoes not only occupy a place on our table, but also leave a deep imprint on our lives, its unique sweet and sour taste, which can be eaten raw or cooked, makes tomatoes the soul of many dishes.
The origin of tomatoes can be traced back to Peru in South America and is said to have been brought back to Europe by explorers. Since then, this delicious fruit has spread all over the world.
Its name "tomato" is said to be due to the fact that people initially mistakenly thought it was highly poisonous, so they called it "wolf peach", until someone bravely tried its fruit and found that it was so delicious.
Tomatoes are widely used in cooking, and they can be used as a dish on their own or as a seasoning for other dishes. Whether it's a simple scrambled egg with tomatoes or a complex Italian stew, the sweet and sour taste of tomatoes is indispensable. And its rich vitamin C and other nutrients also make people cherish this seemingly ordinary fruit even more.
Come to Baidu APP to enjoy high-definition pictures
In addition, tomatoes have a special symbolic meaning in many cultures. In the West, red tomatoes are often seen as a symbol of love, representing passion and romance. In China, tomatoes are seen as a symbol of health and longevity.
01
First of all, understand the nutritional value of tomatoes
First of all, we have to mention the vitamin C in tomatoes, which is not only necessary to promote collagen synthesis and improve the absorption rate of iron, but also has the effect of enhancing blood vessel flexibility, stopping gum bleeding, and enhancing anti-cancer ability.
For cancer patients, the need for vitamin C has increased significantly, and tomatoes are a natural food source of vitamin C. Eating 1-2 tomatoes a day is not only beneficial to patients with high blood pressure and heart disease, but also effective in preventing and fighting cancer.
In addition, the lycopene in tomatoes is also a highlight. This is one of the carotenes that has a powerful antioxidant effect, which can remove free radicals in the body and prevent aging. When a certain temperature and oil are present, lycopene will easily precipitate into the human body, and its role should not be underestimated.
In addition, tomatoes also contain some dietary fiber, which helps to promote intestinal peristalsis and maintain intestinal microecology. The reason why the tomato soup has a sour taste is precisely because of the role of organic acids in promoting appetite.
Tomatoes not only have high nutritional value, but also have the functions of quenching thirst, strengthening the stomach and eliminating food, clearing heat and dissipating heat, tonifying the kidney and diuretic. It has a certain therapeutic effect on symptoms such as fever, injury, thirst, loss of appetite, and summer heat.
At the same time, it can also lower lipids and blood pressure, diuretic sodium excretion, lower cholesterol, prevent arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease. It also has a good effect on symptoms such as dry mouth, bleeding gums, hot stomach and bitter mouth, and rising false fire.
02
Do tomatoes lower uric acid?
Uric acid is a product of purine metabolism in the human body, and hyperuricemia is the main cause of gout. Therefore, lowering uric acid levels is an important means of preventing and treating gout.
Some believe that components such as vitamin C and potassium in tomatoes help reduce uric acid levels, but the mechanism of action and effects of these ingredients have not been fully proven.
In addition, although tomatoes are a low-purine food, not everyone can reduce uric acid levels by eating tomatoes. Individual differences, dietary habits, lifestyle, and other factors may affect uric acid levels.
Therefore, if there is a disease such as hyperuricemia or gout, you should consult a doctor or professional dietitian and treat and manage it under the guidance of a doctor.
Overall, although tomatoes are a nutritious vegetable, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that they reduce uric acid levels.
03
Doctor reminds: For people with high uric acid, it is recommended to eat more of 4 foods
1. Vegetables: Vegetables are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, which help promote uric acid excretion and reduce uric acid levels. In particular, green leafy vegetables such as celery, water spinach, and spinach are rich in vitamin K and magnesium, which help lower uric acid and reduce the risk of gout attacks.
2. Fruits: Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, and they are also low-purine foods. Doctors recommend eating more fruits such as cherries, strawberries, and grapes, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help lower uric acid levels while also preventing gout attacks.
3. Whole grains: Whole grains such as brown rice, oats, whole wheat bread, etc., are rich in dietary fiber and B vitamins, which help reduce uric acid levels. At the same time, the purine content in coarse grains is relatively low and does not increase uric acid levels.
4. Skim dairy products: Skim dairy products are rich in calcium and protein, which can help lower uric acid levels. Doctors recommend choosing low-fat yogurt, low-fat cheese, etc. as part of your daily diet to replenish the nutrients your body needs.
04
How to effectively prevent high uric acid?
Diet is an important part of preventing high uric acid. Avoid foods high in purines, such as meat, seafood, organ meats, etc., as these foods will promote the synthesis of uric acid.
At the same time, it is important to limit alcohol consumption, as alcohol inhibits the excretion of uric acid. Instead, eat more low-purine foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc., which can help lower uric acid levels.
In addition to diet, lifestyle habits also have an impact on uric acid levels. Maintaining an appropriate weight, regular work and rest, and avoiding prolonged mental stress can all help maintain normal uric acid levels. In addition, moderate exercise can also help promote the excretion of uric acid.
For people who already have high uric acid, medication is necessary. The doctor will prescribe medications such as diuretics, uric acid synthase inhibitors, etc., according to the patient's specific situation, to help the patient lower uric acid levels. However, medication should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor and should not be used on your own.