Tomato juice: The heart-healthy drink you can make at home
Juicy, red tomatoes are the secret to health. They strengthen your heart and bones and hydrate the body better than many sports drinks. Scientists confirm that this ruby-hued drink is a true vitamin and mineral powerhouse, and regular consumption can greatly enhance your well-being.
You don't need to seek out exotic superfoods to care for your heart, bones, and immune system. Simply reach for tomatoes and prepare homemade juice, which experts say can rival even the most expensive supplements. Tomato juice is a real treasure trove of health—and the best part is, you can make it in your kitchen without preservatives or artificial additives. Here's a tomato juice recipe you should know and incorporate into your daily diet.
Tomato juice recipe — natural support for heart and bones
Tomato juice is one of the simplest yet healthiest drinks we can prepare at home. It has a particularly beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system—lowering blood pressure, supporting heart function, and helping protect the body from strokes. This is due to its high potassium content, which helps regulate blood pressure, and antioxidants, most notably lycopene.
Lycopene is a compound that belongs to the carotenoid group, responsible for the intense red color of tomatoes. Studies indicate that lycopene acts as a protective shield for cells, neutralizing free radicals, reducing cancer risk, and delaying aging processes. It is particularly effective in protecting against prostate, pancreatic, and stomach cancers, as well as skin damage caused by UV radiation.
Interestingly, cooking tomatoes doesn't reduce lycopene content—quite the opposite! In tomato products like homemade juice, its bioavailability is greater than in raw vegetables. Therefore, drinking such a beverage regularly can offer more benefits than eating fresh tomatoes.
Tomato juice recipe — how to prepare health in a glass?
Making tomato juice at home is incredibly simple and doesn’t require specialized equipment. You only need fresh tomatoes, a few spices, and possibly a bit of fat to help the body better absorb lycopene. Here is a straightforward tomato juice recipe step-by-step:
- Take three ripe, medium-sized tomatoes (preferably Malinowy or beefsteak variety).
- Wash them thoroughly, remove the stems and hard parts, then cut them into quarters.
- Cook the tomatoes on low heat for about 15–20 minutes until they soften and release juice.
- Blend them into a smooth mass after cooking.
- Season the juice with a pinch of salt, freshly ground pepper, and—if you wish—a bit of hot pepper or herbs like oregano or basil.
- For better lycopene absorption, add a teaspoon of olive oil.
This drink is full of nutrients and contains no unnecessary additives. You can also enrich it with a clove of garlic—a natural antibiotic that supports immunity and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Who should particularly drink homemade tomato juice?
Homemade tomato juice is recommended for almost everyone, but it offers particular benefits to people with circulatory problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, or osteoporosis. The potassium it contains lowers blood pressure, and its low glycemic index ensures the drink does not cause sudden sugar spikes—good news for those with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Lycopene, vitamin K, and calcium help maintain healthy and strong bones, making tomato juice a valuable dietary addition for women during menopause and older adults. Furthermore, this drink is excellent for hydration, making it perfect for summer or after intense physical exertion.
