Tomato juice: The secret health booster in your kitchen
The secret to good health, strengthening your heart and bones while hydrating the body better than many isotonic drinks, is hidden in juicy, red tomatoes. Scientists confirm: this ruby drink is a true vitamin and mineral powerhouse, and regular consumption can work wonders for your well-being.
You don't need to opt for exotic superfoods to care for your heart, bones, and immune system. Simply choose tomatoes and prepare homemade juice, which experts say can compete with the most expensive supplements. Tomato juice is a real treasure trove of health—and the best part is that you can make it at home without preservatives and artificial additives. Here is a tomato juice recipe worth incorporating into your daily diet.
Natural support for heart and bones
Tomato juice is one of the simplest yet healthiest drinks you can prepare at home. It has particularly beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system: it lowers blood pressure, supports heart function, and helps protect the body from strokes. This is due to its high potassium content, which helps regulate blood pressure, and antioxidants, particularly lycopene.
Lycopene is a compound in the carotenoid group, responsible for the intense red color of tomatoes. Studies indicate that lycopene acts as a protective shield for cells, neutralizing free radicals, reducing cancer risk, and delaying aging processes. It's particularly effective in protecting against prostate, pancreatic, and stomach cancers, as well as skin damage caused by UV radiation.
Interestingly, cooking tomatoes does not reduce lycopene content—in fact, it enhances it! In tomato products like homemade juice, its bioavailability is greater than in raw vegetables. So, drinking this beverage regularly can offer more benefits than eating fresh tomatoes.
Tomato juice recipe — How to prepare health in a glass?
Making tomato juice at home is very simple and doesn't require specialized equipment. You will need fresh tomatoes, some spices, and perhaps a bit of fat to help the body better absorb lycopene. Here is a simple tomato juice recipe step by step:
- Take three ripe, medium-sized tomatoes (preferably Malinowy or beefsteak variety).
- Wash them thoroughly, remove the stems and hard parts, then cut them into quarters.
- Cook the tomatoes on low heat for about 15–20 minutes until they soften and release juice.
- Blend them into a smooth mixture after cooking.
- Season the juice with a pinch of salt, freshly ground pepper, and, if you like, a bit of hot pepper or herbs like oregano or basil.
- For better lycopene absorption, add a teaspoon of olive oil.
This drink is full of nutrients and contains no unnecessary additives. Additionally, you can enrich it with a clove of garlic—a natural antibiotic that supports immunity and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Who should particularly drink homemade tomato juice?
Homemade tomato juice is recommended for almost everyone, but it is especially beneficial for those with circulatory problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, or osteoporosis. The potassium it contains helps lower blood pressure, and its low glycemic index ensures the drink does not cause sudden sugar spikes—good news for those with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Lycopene, vitamin K, and calcium help maintain healthy and strong bones, making tomato juice a valuable dietary addition for women during menopause and older adults. Furthermore, this drink is excellent for hydration, making it ideal for summer and after intense physical activity.
