Why You Should Never Eat Tomatoes

Tomatoes are delicious fruits (yes, they’re technically fruits, not vegetables) that are very versatile, low in sugar and fat. However, they’re not as harmless as you might think, and eating too many of them can have a negative impact on your health.

Here are some of the reasons why you should steer clear of tomatoes:

Tomatoes are acidic

There are 2 types of acids contained in tomatoes – citric and malic, and both can lead to heartburn. Gastric acid is created in your gut to break down the acids from tomatoes, but some people create an excessive amount of gastric acid, which results in heartburn and acid reflux.

Some studies have also linked tomato consumption to the condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a digestive disorder that affects the muscle between your stomach and esophagus.

Tomatoes contain lectins

What are lectins?

Lectins are found in a variety of foods, and they’re classified as “plant proteins that bind to carbohydrates.”

Tomatoes, along with beans, peanuts, lentils and potatoes, are high in lectins, and although there is no concrete evidence to suggest they cause damage to humans, studies have shown that, in animals, lectins bind to the gut wall.

Other disadvantages of eating tomatoes

Pesticides

Tomatoes are usually grown using pesticides, which means they contain dangerous residues that could lead to chronic health problems if eaten on a regular basis.

According to this article and study, the 5 main pesticides commonly found on tomatoes are:

• methamidophos

• methomyl

• difenoconazole

• cyprodinil

• boscalid

Why are tomatoes bad for you and your gut?

Tomatoes have been found to cause inflammation in the stomach due to the alkaloid contained therein. Alkaloid is a substance produced by the plant to protect itself from insects, and is said to be toxic to humans if too much is consumed. This is more harmful to people suffering from IBS or arthritis.

As tomatoes are highly acidic, there’s a greater chance that the acid will damage your stomach lining, leading to digestive problems.

Due to the fact that the body cannot digest lectins, they simply bind to cell membranes in your stomach and cause damage to your digestive system.

Are green tomatoes more acidic than red ones?

You might think that green tomatoes are less acidic because they’re unripe, but in actual fact, they’re often more acidic than the ripe red ones.

Which tomatoes are the least acidic?

If you still want to eat tomatoes, finding the least acidic varieties would be your best option to avoid the gut problems detailed above. Here are some low-acid tomatoes to consider, according to Urban Farmer:

• Sun Gold

• Big Rainbow

• Sweet Million

• Jet Star

• Lemon Boy

Check out the full list on their website.

How to make tomatoes less acidic

When making any type of tomato sauce in particular, there are 3 ways to reduce the acidity in tomatoes. These are:

• using baking soda – this will change the PH of tomato sauce, making it less acidic

• removing the seeds – the seeds contain most of the acid

• reducing the cooking time – tomatoes become more acidic the longer they cook

How to reduce the risk of harm from tomato lectins

Lectins become harmless as soon as they’re cooked, so make sure that you cook any meals sufficiently before consuming them. This isn’t always possible with tomatoes, however, as they’re usually eaten raw, in salads and sandwiches.

What are some alternatives to tomatoes?

Bell peppers

This vegetable contains less acidic compounds and lectins which means they’re a healthier alternative for your gut.

Conclusion

While there are reasons why some people should stay away from tomatoes, or limit their consumption, most people should be fine eating them. Tomatoes contain many of the nutrients our bodies need to function, so cutting them out unnecessarily is not wise.