Tomato paste is the basis of most of our traditional dishes as it is an essential part of the Tunisian cuisine. This food condiment is a real concentrate of lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant with multiple protective benefits on health.
Sources of lycopene and bioavailability
Lycopene can only be supplied to the human body through food, and tomatoes are the most important natural source of this nutrient. Studies have shown that the bioavailability of lycopene is lower in fresh tomatoes than in processed tomato products so that the consumption of tomato concentrate results in much more lycopene in the blood than in fresh tomato.
| Food sources | Lycopene(mg) |
| 25 g of tomato puree | 7 |
| 15 g of concentrated tomatoes, 100 g fresh tomatoes, 60 g of sauce | 7 |
| 250 ml of tomato juice | 8 |
The health and nutrition benefits of concentrated tomato paste
Tomato paste owes its precious nutritional benefits to lycopene. This antioxidant is one of the most powerful carotenoids in the plant world. And, is known for its benefits on the cardiovascular system.
Several scientific studies have shown a link between the level of lycopene in the blood and a lower risk of stroke (cerebrovascular accident). It would also have a real anti-cancer power, notably by reducing oxidative stress and the development of cancerous cells in healthy individuals and type 2 diabetics.
Recommended site: www.tomatoandhealth.com
