Are canned tomatoes healthier than their reputation?

Already heated: Canned tomatoes healthier than their reputation

Tomatoes are extremely popular among the majority of Germans. Professionals and hobby chefs fall back on them to prepare delicious dishes such as sauces, soups or salads. The vegetables are not only very tasty, they are also healthy - even if they are canned.

Tomatoes are healthy and low in calories

Tomatoes can be found in most German households. Because the vegetables are about 90 percent water, it is particularly low in calories and therefore well suited for light cuisine. In addition, tomatoes contain high levels of vitamin C, potassium and fiber, as well as various healthy phytochemicals. Tomatoes, like most other fruits and vegetables, should be eaten raw. Because then they contain more nutrients. However, some vital substances are only released by heating.

Tomatoes are not only very tasty, but also extremely healthy - especially raw, but also if they come from the can. (Image: myFood / fotolia.com)

Heat vegetables briefly

Although researchers have found that humans react differently to tomatoes, many have beneficial effects on their health.

The best way to eat tomatoes is to eat raw foods, as nutrients are lost during cooking. For example, they contain less vitamin C when cooked.

On the other hand, the human body can only take certain vital substances such as the carotenoid lycopene, if the vegetables were heated briefly.

These substances are considered very healthy. Some carotenoids should even be able to reduce the growth of skin cancer tumors according to a study.

Not too much preserves

You do not even have to cook or cook the tomatoes yourself, but you can also use canned tomatoes, because they have already been heated, as explained in the new guidebook "Eating Better By the Bye" by Stiftung Warentest.

For best tomatoes, it is best to add a pinch of oil. In this way, the carotenoids are even better available.

But it should not be too much canned tomatoes. Because according to a study of American scientists, canned food leads to the strong absorption of BPA (bisphenol A).

This plasticizer is considered to be very dangerous, as it could damage nerves and even cause cancer, according to experts. (Ad)