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Tomatoes “Peruvian apples”
Tomatoes are native to Peru, where they were grown in the gardens of the Aztecs, and their name has remained unaltered to this day: “tomatoes”. Tomatoes were brought by conquistadors to Europe and received with reservations, initially as ornamental plants, under the name “Peruvian apples”, so that only towards the end of the 18th century they were improved and introduced among food plants.
Like many other plants, from the homeland, it seems that tomatoes were originally used for medicinal purposes. Tomatoes contain 90% water, protides, carbohydrates, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C and small amounts of vitamin E, K and lipids. Contains organic acids such as: citric, malic, peptic, oxalati acid, as well as microelements: magnesium, zinc, copper, nickel, cobalt, bromine and iodine.
The red color of tomatoes, is due to the presence of carotenoid lycopin, which is easily absorbed by the body, being an effective antioxidant, which protects the body from free radicals, especially in association with vitamins E and C.
Tomatoes in therapy
Internal. Regular consumption of tomatoes helps to reduce blood viscosity, thus reducing the risk of thrombosis and atherosclerosis, feeling a noticeable improvement in vascular diseases.
They are useful in hypoacidity and stomach conditions, by stimulating the secretion of gastric juice and with the same effect on pancreatic secretion. Due to the high content of oxalates, they are contraindicated in oxalic lithiasis.
Tomatoes are slightly laxative and diuretic, with the elimination of uats, being useful in nitrogenemia and uric lithiasis. Due to the low nutritional value, are recommended in slimming straps. By the high content of vitamins are indicated in hypovitaminosis.
External. They are used with great success in cosmetics, being an adjunct to acne skin. It is also recommended for cleaning oily complexions with blackheads. They are very beneficial for hand cosmetics,helping to soften them and to alleviate or remove irritations produced by detergents.
How to use it
It is consumed as such or in the form of juice, especially in slimming diets. In cosmetics, skin masks are made with well-ripe, crushed fruit and kept for at least 20 minutes on the face.
Tamponing the cheek with tomato slices, several times a day, in cures of 3-4 weeks, gives results in the case of acne skin.
Nutritional milk for hand cosmetics, is prepared as follows: 50 ml tomato juice, a teaspoon of glycerin and a pinch of salt. Spread over the surface of the dermis and gently massage the skin.
