Tomatoes: The health risks of your favourite pantry staple
Recently, tomatoes have been gaining attention. Following studies on lycopene, which may have groundbreaking significance in cancer prevention, they have secured a permanent spot in many fridges. It turns out that processed tomatoes, in particular, are a treasure trove of substances with strong antioxidant properties. However, nutritionists emphasise not only the form in which they are consumed but also the time of day.
Fresh tomatoes are a frequent addition to various meals. It's no wonder—they taste excellent in season, and even out of season, they quickly disappear from shops. They contain not only valuable lycopene, which becomes concentrated through thermal processing, but tomatoes are also a source of vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, and vitamin K, which plays an important role in blood clotting and bone health.
At what time of day is it better not to eat tomatoes?
Unfortunately, individuals with sensitive stomachs may experience discomfort after eating tomatoes on an empty stomach. The culprit is the tannins they contain, which can irritate the digestive system. Tannins increase acidity in the stomach, which can cause irritation to the inner walls of this organ. Therefore, some people may experience pain, heartburn, or nausea after eating tomatoes on an empty stomach.
To temporarily combat the burning sensation in the oesophagus, you can reach for a slice of ginger and suck on it for a while like a sweet. Herbal infusions, such as those made from chamomile, mint, fennel, or caraway, are also helpful. Chewing sugar-free gum may also help with heartburn. However, if the issues persist, it's necessary to consult a doctor who will order appropriate diagnostic tests.
Who should avoid eating tomatoes?
The tannins in tomatoes, when consumed in larger quantities, may limit iron absorption. Therefore, people suffering from anaemia or taking anticoagulant medication should be cautious about consuming these fruits.
What should not be combined with tomatoes?
Nutritionists recommend not combining tomatoes with products high in iron. Research by scientists from Ohio State University has shown that the anticancer properties of tomatoes are significantly weakened when these vegetables are combined with other products high in iron, such as apples, plums, beans, peas, lentils, raisins, or avocados.
"When people had iron with their meal, we saw almost a twofold drop in lycopene uptake over time," says one of the study's authors, Rachel Kopec.
For many, this might be a drastic change, as, after all, a salad with tomato and avocado creates an almost perfect combination. However, it's important to remember that meals don't have to be eaten solely for the purpose of obtaining the maximum amount of valuable substances. The psychological and social aspect of eating is also important. There's nothing wrong with enjoying a meal. However, it's worth considering that on another occasion, you might opt-out of avocado in favour of a rich tomato soup, perhaps with pumpkin seeds.
The content on our sites is intended for informational and educational purposes and does not substitute medical consultation. Before making health-related decisions, consult a specialist.
