Tomato belongs to the Solanaceae family. The raw and ripe fruit of this plant is used for healing purposes.
Tomatoes, especially if ripe, are a rich source of carotenoids, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin E.
The seeds contain: tomatina, a substance with mild antibiotic action; lycopene, a carotenoid that determines the red pigmentation of the fruit; antioxidant and phospholipid substances (fats of the cell membrane which, in the right amount, keep it elastic and therefore healthy).
Since they are not a great source of energy, they are indicated in low-calorie diets. Tomatoes determine a refreshing, laxative (mainly due to seeds and peel), and diuretic effect due to the high water content.
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Despite the many benefits, however, for some predisposed subjects tomatoes can be the triggering cause of allergies that occur with oral mucous membranes, eczema and skin urticaria. Furthermore, unripe tomatoes (green) can cause migraines due to the presence of a greater quantity of solanine, a substance present only in Solanaceae, which can be toxic if taken in high concentrations.
To keep in mind, moreover, that it is good to never use aluminum pots for cooking tomatoes, since, being fruits with a very acid pH, during cooking they would absorb large quantities of aluminum, toxic to the body.
In cosmetics, the tomato offers a solution to many skin problems. Due to its firming action it is indicated for relaxed and dull skin; it makes blackheads disappear and, thanks to its moisturizing, smoothing and lightening action, it is a valid aid for oily skin.
In this regard, if the heat and the sun have withered the skin of the face, we can resort to a mask prepared with the pulp of two fresh tomatoes, peeled and reduced to pulp (preferably with a wooden instrument because the metallic ones alter the acids of tomato).
The pulp should be spread over the face and left on for 15 minutes, then removed with water. The skin immediately looks fresh, smooth, firm and well nourished.
