THE ADVICES OF OUR SCIENTIFIC POPULARIZER ABOUT ITS PROPERTIES AND ITS CORRECT USE
Tomato sauce is NOT synonymous with peeled tomatoes, pulp, chunks, concentrate, gravy, ketchup or purée; they are all different products.
Tomato sauce is NOT synonymous with peeled tomatoes, pulp, chunks, concentrate, gravy, ketchup or purée; they are all different products.
It differs from ‘pasata’ (type of tomato purée) in that a higher heat treatment (higher temperature and cooking time) is applied to achieve greater density and longer shelf-life.
It differs from ‘pasata’ (type of tomato purée) in that a higher heat treatment (higher temperature and cooking time) is applied to achieve greater density and longer shelf-life.
It is a vegetable-based food, the main ingredient being the fruit of the tomato plant.
Tomatoes have a low caloric intake, the calories are provided by carbohydrates mainly, followed by small concentrations of proteins (of low biological value) and lipids.
Nutritional values per 100g of product: tomato sauce
| Energy value |
43 Kcal |
Protein |
1,2 g |
| Fat
of which saturates |
0,7
0,1 |
Carbohydrate
of which sugar |
6,4 g
5,0 g |
| Fibre |
1.9 g |
Salt |
0,45 g |
Tomato sauce does not contain cholesterol and fibers are present in moderate quantities.
As for vitamins, tomato sauce contains excellent levels of vitamin C (essential for its antioxidant properties) and carotenoids (vitamin A, in particular lycopene, an antioxidant, antitumor and beneficial for the metabolism).
It should be remembered vitamin C is an easily degradable molecule (because of its sensitivity to heat and oxygen), therefore it is present in lower quantities in the sauce than in raw tomatoes.
As for minerals, good concentrations of potassium (an essential mineral found mainly in fruits and vegetables) are observed. It is relatively common not to consume enough potassium to meet daily needs and modifying the diet seems to be highly protective against circulatory disorders such as cardiac arrest and stroke) and sodium (added in the form of table salt).
Tomato sauce is suitable for all dietary regimens, does not show metabolic harmfulness and does not worsen overweight.
Some people experience a sensation of increased gastric acidity or digestive difficulties. Often this uneasiness is justifiable by the presence of complications concerning the stomach (gastritis, hiatal hernia and/or gastroesophageal reflux disease); in other cases they are not justifiable.
Tomato sauce is suitable for the celiac, lactose intolerant people and it is accepted by vegetarian and vegan philosophies. As it cannot be prepared with temperatures equal or lower than 42°C (42°F), it is excluded from the crudist diet.
To season a dish of pasta are enough about 100g of sauce (20-40 kcal) therefore if used with moderation and in a balanced food plan it is excellent to make a first course and why not, even some second courses, more appetizing.
Article by Riccardo Negro
Italiano
