10 Surprising Power of Cherry Tomatoes: A Natural Vascular Cleaner

Tomatoes are a popular diet due to their low-calorie and high water content, which increase feelings of fullness. Although they are in season in the summer, these days, they are easy to grow and can be enjoyed all year round. In addition, there are various ways to eat them, making them a versatile ingredient in many dishes. We have looked into the health benefits of the beloved cherry tomatoes and the precautions to take when consuming them.

 

Cherry Tomato: The Vascular Cleaner

Lycopene, a prominent component found in tomatoes, is recognized for its efficacy in preventing prostate cancer. Furthermore, it plays a role in purging foreign substances from blood vessels, contributing to averting arteriosclerosis—a condition associated with heart disease and stroke. Lycopene, categorized as a carotenoid pigment, exerts its influence by thwarting cellular oxidation within the body, ultimately reducing the risk of diverse cancers and cardiovascular ailments.

 

Inhibition of Cancer Cell Growth

In a study of cherry tomato extract’s antioxidant and cancer cell inhibitory activity, the total polyphenol and flavonoid content showed a high growth inhibitory effect against cervical and liver cancer cells. The powerful antioxidant effects of cherry tomatoes have been confirmed, significantly increasing their value as functional foods.

 

Nutrient Intake Depending on Cooking Method

To maximize the health benefits of tomatoes, the way they are cooked is very important. Heating them with oil is the most effective. Lycopene, which comes from the skin of the tomato during cooking, is dissolved in the oil, making it possible to consume sufficient nutrients when eaten together. Lycopene is better absorbed in the body when eaten with oil. However, if you want to consume more water-soluble nutrients like vitamins and minerals, it is better to eat them raw. It’s important to remember to soak tomatoes in water for more than 5 minutes before washing them to remove pesticides and foreign substances from the skin thoroughly.

As a Snack Instead of Bread in the Afternoon

Are you feeling hungry after lunch, around 3-4 pm? Instead of bread or snacks, if you eat cherry tomatoes, you can curb hunger and manage blood sugar levels, making it the perfect snack for dieting. They are not difficult to store or eat and are not smelly, so you can eat them anywhere without being constrained by space. They are also small, making them easy to carry around – a win-win situation!

 

Which Cherry Tomato Should I Choose?

Choosing ones with firm skin and a deep color is best when buying cherry tomatoes. It’s good if the stem is not wilted and has a green color. A fresh cherry tomato has a surface that is not wrinkled and shiny. When touched, it should feel firm and have a substantial weight, indicating good quality. After purchase, it should be stored at room temperature with good ventilation.

 

Cherry Tomato Egg Stir-fry: A Delicacy

In the morning, it’s good to have simple and non-stimulating food, and cherry tomato egg stir-fry is soft and easy to eat, making it a good breakfast. All you need are 7-8 cherry tomatoes, 2 eggs, salt, and pepper. Coat a pan with oil and scramble the eggs. After cooking, remove the eggs, cut the cherry tomatoes in half, and cook them in the pan. At this time, it is good to press the cherry tomatoes so that the juice can come out well. When the cherry tomatoes are somewhat cooked, add the eggs and mix, seasoning with salt and pepper at this time. A nutritious meal from cherry tomatoes and eggs makes a hearty meal.

 

Types of Cherry Tomatoes

There are various types of cherry tomatoes, and most of the cherry tomatoes grown in Korea are Japanese. Among the varieties, Bae Bae and Kko Kko are the most common, and Ruby Ball, Honey, and Mini Carol are also being cultivated a lot.

 

Differences from Regular Tomatoes

The two decisive differences are size. Cherry tomatoes are bite-sized, small, and cute, making them easy to eat and often used for decoration. Although it is easy to think that they were born through the improvement of tomato varieties, like regular tomatoes, cherry tomatoes also grew as wild plants in Peru. Regular tomatoes also originate from South America and Peru, and it is a strong theory that they were taken to Europe by Columbus in the 16th century and cultivated in Spain and Italy.

How to Store Fresh Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes can be stored fresh if you remove the stem. According to an experiment by the Rural Development Administration, removing the stem is advantageous for long-term storage and can prevent damage or spoilage bacteria from the stem surface. If you have bought a large quantity of cherry tomatoes, don’t forget to store them after removing the stem.

 

Is It Okay to Sprinkle Sugar?

Many people sprinkle sugar on tomatoes to bring out the sweetness, but it’s best not to eat them together because sugar can destroy the nutrients in tomatoes. If you sprinkle sugar, the absorption rate of vitamin B in tomatoes decreases, and it can raise blood sugar levels. However, if you sprinkle salt, the sodium in the salt balances with the potassium in the tomatoes in the body, stimulating cell activity. 

By. Shin Young Jeon