Health and tomatoes: low-calorie recipes

Integrating low-calorie recipes into your diet is essential for anyone aspiring to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. In this context, the tomato stands out as an ingredient known both for its nutritional value and versatility in cooking.
In addition to emphasising the role of tomatoes as the basis of light, nutritious recipes, in this article we will illustrate the benefits of this ‘red gold’ as part of a balanced, health-oriented daily diet.

According to studies reported by the National Library of Medicine, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that not only gives them their vibrant, red colour but also contributes to preventing heart disease and certain types of cancer, as evidenced by research published by the National Institutes of Health.

An interesting fact: contrary to what you might think, the cooking process can improve the nutritional properties of tomatoes. Several scientific articles published in Pubmed have shown that lycopene increases its bioavailability through cooking. This highlights how tomato products offered by Pomì – in addition to offering the authentic taste of Italian tomatoes – also prove to be valuable sources of nutritional benefits.

To optimise lycopene absorption, it is advisable to combine tomatoes with sources of healthy fats, such as avocado and extra virgin olive oil, while also diversifying consumption between cooked and raw tomatoes.

As illustrated on Health, tomatoes are much more than a delicious and nutritious food. Including them in a healthy, balanced diet also offers real health benefits, such as:

• Cardiovascular health: antioxidants present in tomatoes, such as lycopene mentioned above, help reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Protection against cancer: some research suggests that lycopene may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, particularly prostate cancer.
• Skin health: Vitamin C in tomatoes stimulates the production of collagen, an essential component for healthy skin
• Immune system support: we should remember that vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system.
• Combating metabolic syndrome: this syndrome increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. According to this study, the nutrients contained in tomatoes can improve blood quality.
• Prevention of certain neurodegenerative diseases: some studies suggest that lycopene has a positive impact against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
• Exercise benefits: the antioxidants in tomatoes can help in recovery after exercise.
• Male fertility support: some studies suggest that lycopene may improve sperm motility.

Obtained through a meticulous process of cooking and concentrating purée, tomato paste is essential for adding depth and intensity to sauces and dressings, adding flavour to numerous dishes.

This sauce, which has a darker colour and thicker consistency than traditional purée, is used sparingly to enhance recipes that require long cooking times, such as ragù. It is particularly effective when used in recipes intended for a large number of diners: a small amount of purée in tomato sauce can make all the difference, lending it a more intense and full-bodied flavour that perfectly complements the pasta.

Adding the paste to pasta or meat dishes gives them a stronger and more intense flavour. Its function in the kitchen must therefore be understood and exploited intelligently, avoiding overpowering other flavours and aiming to enhance them with balance.