Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes, though most often associated with the Italian culture and cuisine, actually originated in South America. Tomatoes were introduced to Europe by Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s. Often misidentified as a vegetable, this fruit contains a number of health benefits for those who eat it.

Vitamins and Nutrients

• Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, riboflavin, chromium and potassium.

Beta-carotene

• Tomatoes are also a great source of beta-carotene (in the form of vitamin A). Beta-carotene is associated with the prevention of cancer, heart disease, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

Lycopene

• Tomatoes are lycopene-rich. Lycopene is connected to the prevention of heart disease and protection from several types of cancer, including breast, endometrial, colorectal, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancers.

Fiber

• Tomatoes are a good source of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is associated with the ability to lower cholesterol levels, blood sugar control and the prevention of colon cancer.

Antioxidants

• The antioxidants in tomatoes are associated with the removal of free radicals in the body. Antioxidants both protect cells from damage and repair damaged cells.

Consuming Tomatoes

• Tomatoes are best consumed as a whole food. Nutrients isolated from tomatoes and consumed as supplements are not as beneficial to the human body as eating the same nutrients in the naturally occurring proportions found in whole tomatoes.