Tomato Juice: Benefits and Disadvantages

Tomato juice contains many vital nutrients. In addition, it contains antioxidant compounds. Read on to learn more about this drink!

Written and verified by the nutritionist Eliana Delgado Villanueva.

Last update: 27 May, 2022

Tomato juice is a popular drink that contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s particularly rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant with amazing health benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of consuming it.

The properties of tomato juice

Tomato is usually recommended in weight loss plans. One of the main benefits is its ability to act as a draining agent, the fact that it’s low in calories, and that it’s an excellent diuretic, which even can activate metabolism to help burn fat.

Nutritional value

Tomato juice is a popular drink made from fresh tomatoes. Here’s the nutritional information of 1 cup (240 ml) of tomato juice:

• Calories: 41.
• Protein: 2 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Vitamin A: 22% of the RDA
• Vitamin C. 74% of the RDA
• Vitamin K. 7% of the RDA
• Vitamin B1. 8% of the RDA
• Vitamin B3. 8% of the RDA
• Vitamin B6. 13% of the RDA
• Vitamin B9. 12% of the RDA
• Magnesium. 7% of the RDA
• Potassium. 16% of the RDA
• Copper. 7% of the RDA
• Manganese. 9% of the RDA.

*RDA: Recommended Dietary Allowances

As you can see, tomato juice is very nutritious and contains many important vitamins and minerals. In fact, one cup of tomato juice almost covers the daily requirements of vitamin C and meets 22% of the vitamin A requirements as carotenoids.

The benefits of tomato juice

High concentrations of antioxidants

Tomato juice is a concentrated source of powerful antioxidants such as lycopene, a carotenoid hydrocarbon that has been linked to impressive health benefits.

Lycopene protects your cells from the damage of free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative processes in cells. Many studies have shown that drinking tomato juice rich in lycopene has health benefits.

A weapon against constipation

Constipation isn’t something to be taken lightly. In fact, if left untreated, it can become chronic and lead to serious health consequences. A very simple way to fight it is to follow a diet that promotes intestinal transit.

Drinking tomato juice at breakfast is a great way to fight constipation. Tomatoes are rich in fiber and act as a mild laxative. Thus, if you drink it every day, it may help solve this common problem.

Cardiovascular qualities

It’s important to note that tomato is a great ally of heart health. In this regard, it contains powerful antioxidants, such as lycopene and beta-carotene, which help reduce the risk factors for these diseases. For example, blood pressure and high cholesterol or plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis).

It helps boost the immune system

Finally, tomato juice helps boost the immune system to prevent and fight infections, the flu, and colds, among other conditions. Tomato is rich in vitamins C, A, B, D, and K, as well as antioxidants, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.

Contraindications of tomato juice

However, there are a few things to keep in mind before grabbing a glass of tomato juice every morning. Here are some of them:

• If you suffer from mouth sores, you should avoid tomatoes, as they’re acid. Many people who undergo chemotherapy suffer from the side effect of mucositis, which causes inflammation and sores. Acidic foods such as tomatoes may worsen the pain this condition causes.
• For this reason, people with digestive alterations should avoid consuming tomatoes. Thus, if you suffer from esophageal reflux, heartburn, stomach ulcers, or underwent digestive surgery, it’s best to avoid consuming them.
• Due to its potassium content, tomato is also contraindicated in those who should restrict the consumption of this mineral. For example, this is the case of patients with kidney or heart diseases, insulin deficiency, or metabolic acidosis.