Tomato paste: useful properties and contraindications

Tomato paste is a semi-finished product, which is formed as a result of heat treatment of tomatoes. Only red fruits are used for the production of paste. It is used to improve the taste of most dishes, both first and second.

What is the difference between ketchup and tomato paste

Tomatoes are used to make ketchup, just like tomato paste. However, the two products are different from each other. The main difference between them lies in their composition. When making paste, tomatoes are taken cleaned of seeds and skin. Tomatoes are rubbed through a sieve and boiled, then add salt.

Ketchup is made with tomato paste, spices, water, and often with large quantities of preservatives. For comparison, in ketchup only 15 percent of the total composition is tomato paste. In addition, this product includes thickeners, coloring pigments, flavorings, antioxidants, etc. Ketchup is a sauce for hot dishes, and pasta is an independent ingredient for cooking.

Composition and calories

The composition of tomato paste contains such substances as mono- and disaccharides, starch, organic acids. This product is enriched with vitamins A C, PP, group B. Of mineral elements in tomato paste has a large amount of potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, there is iron, calcium.

The caloric value of the product is 100 kcal per 100 grams of pasta. It has about 5 g of protein and 19 g of carbohydrates.

How is tomato pasta useful?

General benefits

The useful properties of tomato paste are due to the presence in its composition of many vitamins. Vitamin C is the main antioxidant, it takes part in strengthening the immune system. Beta-carotene in combination with ascorbic acid increases resistance to stress. Thiamine, which is a representative of the B vitamins, improves metabolism, protects the body from gaining excess weight. Also this vitamin is necessary for a person for the normal functioning of the digestive and cardiovascular systems.

It is worth noting that tomato paste has the greatest amount of lycopene. It is because of them, tomatoes have this color. These substances prevent the formation of cancer cells.

For women

Lycopene is a pigment of natural origin. It has excellent antioxidant properties. As already mentioned, it can protect against the development of cancer. Therefore, the benefits of the product for women's health is the prevention of diseases of the cervix. In addition, this component has a beneficial effect on the skin. To preserve the youthfulness and beauty of the skin for a long time, it is enough to consume about 50 grams of tomato product every day.

For men

A useful effect of tomato products is the ability to soothe, eliminate nervous tension and protect against stress diseases. Pasta is involved in neutralizing the effects of radioactive exposure, normalizes the hormonal background. Lycopene in tomato paste is useful for men because it is a prevention of prostatitis.

When pregnant

During the period of carrying the baby, it is recommended to include tomato paste in the diet, because this product has a rich vitamin and mineral complex. This contributes to the normal growth and development of the future child. In addition, the product protects the body of a pregnant woman from the occurrence of avitaminosis. During pregnancy, tomato paste is also useful because it normalizes the functioning of the digestive system, preventing constipation.

During breastfeeding

During lactation, a woman can also use moderate amounts of tomato paste, but it is recommended to introduce it into the diet not earlier than three to four months after the birth of the baby. Experts advise to prepare such a product at home by yourself, because this is the only way to control the environmental purity.

In any case, when adding paste to the menu, you should monitor the child's condition. If the baby shows signs of allergy, the product should be excluded. Any negative reaction in the form of rash, colic, allergies can appear in a couple of days, so after the first use, it is important to monitor the reaction of the child's body.

For kids

As for children, tomato paste is an allergenic product, so it is not recommended to give it to babies under three years. After that, in small quantities, this product can be included in various dishes.

You should not use factory-made pasta in children's diet, because it may contain various additives. The best option is a paste prepared with their own hands.

When losing weight

Tomato paste is allowed to use in various diets, as it contains many vitamins and mineral elements, which are useful for both the body as a whole, and for the functioning of the digestive system. It helps to speed up the metabolism. The paste itself can not get rid of extra pounds, it can only be used as an additive to diet dishes.

Tomato paste in medicine

Tomato paste contains a large number of vitamins, minerals and trace elements, which have a positive effect on the human body. There are also negative properties of this product. The benefits of pasta depend on the quality of the components in the manufacture, as well as the technology used.

When diabetics

Such a disease as diabetes does not imply a ban on the use of fresh tomatoes and paste based on them. Tomato paste is very nutritious, has low calories, is digested slowly and does not lead to an increase in blood sugar levels. However, it should be consumed in small quantities.

Important: The glycemic index of tomato paste is 45 units.

In pancreatitis

The acute form of pancreatitis is a contraindication to the consumption of tomato paste. This especially applies to the product, in the manufacture of which various preservatives were used. Homemade pasta with the addition of natural ingredients in small quantities can sometimes be included in the diet.

Gastritis

Tomato paste contains organic acids that irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach, which leads to increased acidity. Heartburn may occur. Therefore, the use of this product is contraindicated in the presence of gastritis with high acidity.

With gout

Therapeutic food can alleviate the course of various diseases. If the gout runs not in an acute form, tomato paste can improve the condition of the patient. It can fully provide the body with important trace elements such as potassium, fluoride, iron, zinc. Natural tomato paste helps reduce uric acid levels. In addition, it contains components with antioxidant properties.

For the liver

Tomato paste is good for the liver to a certain extent. It is able to cleanse it of toxins and impurities. As a result, the load on the liver is reduced, and metabolic processes are normalized.

When cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder. In this disease, a therapeutic diet is indicated, which is prescribed by a doctor taking into account the patient's condition. Tomato paste is contraindicated. Specialists recommend consuming tomatoes fresh or adding them to salads with other vegetables. It is worth noting that tomatoes have a choleretic effect, so you should not consume them in the presence of gallstones.

Tomato paste in cosmetology

Tomatoes used to make tomato paste are widely used in cosmetology. First of all, this is due to the presence in the composition of tomatoes such pigment as lycopene, which is a strong antioxidant. It is used to slow down the aging process of the skin. In addition, this pigment is able to improve the complexion, moisturize dry skin. This substance is widely used in the form of capsules. Lycopene is even called "plant gold" for its beneficial properties.

The tomato also contains retinol, which is responsible for youthful skin, protects against inflammation. Zinc in its composition helps repair skin cells. Phytoncides contained in tomatoes have disinfecting properties and can get rid of allergic rashes.

For the face

1. Recipe for oily skin. If you have oily skin, you can use a recipe that will help narrow and cleanse enlarged pores. To do this, you first need to prepare tomato paste at home. Pass 3 kg of ripe tomatoes, two sour apples and a head of onions through a juicer. The resulting mass should be wrapped in gauze and hung over a saucepan so that the juice flows out. The rest of the mashed potatoes should be placed in a saucepan and a little salt should be added. Cook the paste should be 30 minutes over low heat, after which you should add 2 tablespoons of vinegar and boil for about 5 minutes more. Tomato paste is ready, it will be much healthier than factory products. The main part can be rolled into jars. And to use it as a cosmetic, it is enough to apply the cooled mass on the skin and keep for 15 minutes. After that, the mask can be washed off with warm water.
2. Recipe for problem skin. Tomato paste is also used in the fight against acne. To do this, just mix one tablespoon each of tomato paste and unsweetened yogurt and apply for 20 minutes on problem skin, then rinse with room temperature water.
3. Recipe for dry skin. For dry skin, a mask using 1 tablespoon of paste and the same amount of oily sour cream is suitable. Popularly such a mask is called "cashmere" due to its excellent moisturizing properties.
4. Recipe for any skin type. You can also prepare a mask with the addition of a large juicy tomato, a teaspoon of sour cream with a medium percentage of fat, as well as the yolk of one chicken egg in raw form. All these ingredients should be mixed and applied to the face. The mask should be kept for about 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Such a mask will soften the skin, clean it from dead cells, restore normal sebum function and have a nourishing effect. Perform such a procedure may be performed several times a month. Suitable for oily and combination skin type, as well as in the presence of black dots.

For Hair

To prepare tomato paste as a hair mask, it is important to use vegetables from the garden bed, so that they are healthy, grown without any additives. When cooking you should not scald the tomatoes with boiling water - this leads to the fact that many of the useful properties of the product are lost. You should immediately remove the seeds, so that you do not have to get them out of your hair later. For a quick grinding of the paste, you can use a blender or mixer. Before using tomato paste masks, you need to make sure that you are not allergic to this product. To do this, you need to cut a small piece of tomato and put it on your wrist for an hour. If there is no itching and redness, you can use a mask based on the paste.

Before application, it is recommended to wash your hair and apply the product to clean hair. Carry out procedures with the use of tomato paste no more than 2-3 times a week.

1. For dry hair. To moisturize the hair you need to make a paste of tomato, add a small amount of potato starch and olive oil. The resulting mask should be applied to the hair and covered with polyethylene and a towel. Hold the composition for half an hour, and then rinse with water. Most girls note that as a result, the hair becomes softer and silkier.
2. To revitalize hair. To revitalize the hair, you can use another mask. You need a small amount of tomato paste, in which you need to add a couple of drops of essential oil. After that, you should melt some honey on the fire and add it to the mixture. The resulting mask to apply to the scalp and on the hair along its entire length. After 40 minutes, rinse with room temperature water.
3. For hair growth. To accelerate hair growth, you can also prepare a natural mask. For this, you will need a paste, sweet pepper, lemon juice and a garlic clove. All the ingredients should be placed in a blender and ground, adding in the last turn the lemon juice. The resulting mush should be rubbed into the roots of the hair. Such a procedure improves blood circulation and ensures the regeneration process.

Using tomato paste in cooking

Tomato paste is widely used in cooking. It is used as a condiment for various dishes or an ingredient for making sauces. Tomato products perfectly combines with rice, meat, pasta and vegetables. Pasta adds flavor and first courses.

It is worth noting that in the preparation of Italian pizza is used natural tomato paste. It is the quality of this ingredient that largely depends on the taste of the finished product.

For example, you can cook pollock in tomato sauce. As is known, pollock is a dietary fish, which can be consumed in various diets, including diabetes, as it normalizes blood glucose levels. To prepare this dish you will need 3 pollock, carrots, one onion, a tablespoon of tomato paste, half a cup of flour, a tablespoon of vegetable oil and spices to taste.

The fish should be washed and dried. Carrots should be grated and onions should be diced. In the flour you need to add all the spices and mix. Shredded vegetables should be placed in a pan with oil and stew over low heat. Dice the fish into small pieces, cover it with flour and fry it in the pan, but not untill it is ready. Then put the lightly fried fish into a deep dish and place the stewed vegetables on top. Dissolve tomato paste and add spices in a glass of boiled water. This dressing should be poured pollock. The dish should be stewed over low heat for about 20 minutes. Ready side dish to be served with mashed potatoes or pasta.

How to replace tomato paste

You can replace the tomato paste with fresh tomatoes. However, remember that pasta is a more concentrated product, so the taste of the finished dish is more vivid. If using fresh tomatoes, the vegetables should be grated and boiled. This is necessary to ensure that the extra water from the liquid does not change the taste of the dish. Using fresh vegetables will give the dish a different taste, but it will be much healthier.

When making borscht, you can use pickled or pickled tomatoes. Those who like spicy, use lecho or adjika.

Harms and contraindications

Tomato paste by itself is not capable of causing harm to the human body. However, some manufacturers use in the manufacture of various additives that can harm. The list of such additives includes flavorings, thickeners, preservatives to extend the shelf life, etc. All these components make tomato paste cheaper, but there is no benefit from such a product. To buy quality products, it is important to study the composition before buying. It is worth noting that it is better to refuse paste that has a long shelf life.

It is not recommended to consume tomato paste with gastritis with high acidity, stomach ulcer, cholelithiasis. Excessive consumption of this product leads to irritation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines. This is due to the fact that the paste contains organic acids.

Contraindication to the use of tomato paste are diseases associated with stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers. Also, the product should be abandoned if individual intolerance of individual ingredients of the paste. Gout, arthritis and kidney stones are also an obstacle to the consumption of tomato paste. If there is an allergy to red fruits and vegetables, the product should be avoided.

How to choose and store tomato paste

When buying tomato paste, it is recommended to choose the product in a glass container. This will allow you to visually assess the quality of the product.

1. Quality paste should have a homogeneous, thick structure.
2. The color of the product should be reddish red. If the color is bright red, it indicates that the product contains dyes.
3. There should be no lumps or air bubbles in the jar.
4. Preservatives are not allowed in tomato paste to give the product a special taste and smell. It is important to study the composition of the paste before buying, it should contain only tomatoes and salt.

The shelf life for the product in glassware is two years. Metal containers can retain the useful properties of the paste for up to a year. If we are talking about aluminum packaging, then such a product is good for six months.

After opening the packaging, tomato paste can be stored in the refrigerator no more than 12-14 days. To extend the shelf life of the tomato product, you can pour a thin layer of oil on top.

Can I freeze it

Tomato pasta can be stored in the freezer. The best option in this case is to store the pasta in small portions. That is, you can take several small bags of polyethylene and in each of them put a couple of spoonfuls of tomato product, so that there is enough for cooking one dish. Ready bags should be wrapped and placed in the freezer. It is recommended to grease the inside of the bag with vegetable oil, so that the paste does not freeze to the polyethylene. Silicone molds used to make ice can also be used for this purpose. Tomato paste can be stored in the freezer for three to four months.

How to make tomato paste at home

Prepare tomato paste at home is not difficult at all. It is necessary to prepare juicy, fleshy vegetables that have a dark red color. Tomatoes should be washed under running water and finely chopped, then placed in a non-stick pan. The container should be kept on low heat for about half an hour until the vegetables become soft. At the end of the specified time, remove the mass from the fire, remove the skin and grind through a sieve. This procedure will remove seeds and various solid particles from the paste. After that, the mass again has to boil on low heat for three hours, stirring regularly.

As a result, you should get a pasty mixture, which in hot form should be poured into sterilized glass jars, screwed up, turned upside down and covered with a blanket for a day. If desired, salt, red pepper and a little garlic can be added to the paste.

How to make ketchup from tomato paste

To get delicious and healthy ketchup without any preservatives, it can be made at home from tomato paste. You will need 400 grams of tomato paste, two glasses of water, a teaspoon of salt, 3-4 teaspoons of sugar, a few cloves of garlic, some dill, parsley, red and black ground pepper can be used as spices. You will also need a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Tomato paste should be placed in a saucepan and gradually add water until the desired consistency. After that, the pot should be placed on the fire, having previously added spices and sugar. The mass must be constantly stirred and make sure that it does not splash.

When the ketchup begins to boil, you can add finely chopped herbs and minced garlic. After that, cook the tomato product for another five minutes, at the very end add vinegar. If the ketchup will not be stored for a long time, you can omit the vinegar. After cooling, you can enjoy the taste of natural ketchup.

How to make tomato juice from tomato paste

Factory tomato juice is made from tomato paste. However, it may contain additives that are harmful to the body, improving the taste, smell and shelf life of the product. To get a healthy, natural tomato juice, you can make it yourself, using only tomato paste, water and salt. However, it is important to take a paste of high quality. The resulting drink can be used pure or added to various soups, gravy and other dishes.

The recipe is quite simple. It is enough just to mix tomato paste with purified cold water in the proportion 1:3. For a more liquid juice, it is enough to use a tablespoon of paste per one glass of water. For a thicker juice, you can take 2-3 spoons of paste per glass of liquid. After that, the drink should be salted and spices should be added to taste if desired.

Interesting facts about tomato paste

1. Residents of Italian cities are the biggest fans of tomato paste. Thus, every year they consume about 25 kilograms of tomato product per person.
2. Scientists have proved that tomatoes are able to slow down the aging process of the skin. This is due to the pigment lycopene. And its greatest amount is observed not in fresh vegetables, but in pastes and tomato juice.
3. The name "tomato" itself is of Italian origin and means "golden apples". This vegetable originated from South America, but the local population did not consider the product edible and did not consume it. When Europeans brought the tomato to their territories, they began to grow it as an ornamental plant. Italians were the first to taste the vegetable. After that, the French began to call the vegetable "the apple of love", explaining that the fruit of this plant contains aphrodisiacs.

Photo of tomato paste