We will tell you the truth!
The tangy red tomatoes are an essential part of every Indian cuisine. Whether you put chunks of it in your curry or have tomato ketchup with your samosas, its distinct taste adds flavour to whatever dish you are having.
Not only for its flavours, but tomatoes are also known for its nutrient content. Loaded with the benefits of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, fiber and protein, this red citric fruit has numerous proven health benefits. It is good for the eyesight, reduces diabetes complications, protects against sun damage and reduces the risk of prostate cancer.
Even then there is a common belief that tomatoes can lead to kidney stones. Is it really possible that a fruit that has some amazing health benefits can lead to another disease? Let's dwell deeper into this topic and find out what the truth is.
Why tomatoes are linked with kidney stones
There are several types of kidney stones and the most common one is calcium stones. These stones are formed due to the deposition of a large amount of calcium oxalate in our kidneys. Oxalate is a naturally occurring substance that is found in different kinds of vegetables and fruits. Moreover, even our liver produces certain amount of calcium daily. Our bones and muscles do absorb calcium from the blood, but when the amount of this nutrient exceeds in the blood, it is passed on to the kidney to be flushed out with urine. Some times the kidneys are not able to remove excess calcium from the body, which gradually starts to accumulate and takes a shape of a stone.
Tomatoes contain high amounts of oxalate and hence is linked with the formation of kidney stones.
The truth
If you love adding tomatoes in your food then you must not stop doing to because of this myth. Tomatoes do contain oxalate, but the amount of it is quite low and cannot lead to the formation of a kidney stone. 100 grams of tomatoes contain only 5 grams of oxalate. If tomatoes were so harmful then people diagnosed with kidney stones would have been advised to completely shun its consumption. If you are healthy and have no kidney issue then it is fine to have tomatoes as much as you like. In case you are dealing with some kidney related problem then limit your oxalate intake. Spinach, beans, beetroot also contain a high amount of oxalate. Cook these vegetables properly before eating.
Things that can prevent kidney stones
Shunning some particular vegetables or fruit is not an assurance that you will never have kidney stones. Rather here are some things that you can do to reduce the risk.
- Drink at least 2 litres of water daily. This will help your kidney flush out toxins from the body.
- Reduce your sodium intake.
- Add plant protein to your diet.
- Avoid taking any kind of supplements without consulting your doctor.