Tomatoes are available all year round and can be used in a huge variety of dishes, both cooked and raw. This versatility makes it easy to take advantage of the numerous health benefits offered by the humble tomato, a truly super "superfood."
Cancer Prevention
Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, a natural antioxidant believed to reduce the risk of several types of cancer. "Lycopene from tomatoes has been repeatedly studied in humans and found to be protective against a growing list of cancers," says The World's Healthiest Foods website. These cancers include prostate, pancreatic, colorectal, breast, endometrial and lung cancers. A 2003 study by researchers at the Universities of Illinois and Ohio State found evidence to suggest that tomatoes contain additional chemicals, not only lycopene, that help prevent prostate cancer. In an interview with the BBC News, lead researcher Professor John Erdman said that "taking lycopene as a dietary supplement is not as effective as eating whole tomatoes." Lycopene, he believes, is only one factor in prostate cancer protection and tomatoes offer greater protection than lycopene supplements alone.
Healthy Bones
Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin K, an important vitamin for maintaining healthy bones. One cup of raw tomato supplies more than 17 percent of the daily recommended value.
Healthy Heart
Tomatoes contain Vitamin B6, niacin, folate and potassium, all of which help to reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. Eating tomatoes on a regular basis can therefore help prevent heart attacks, strokes and other heart-related problems.
Vitamin A
Tomatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin A. According to the Glycemic-Index.org website, vitamin A helps to keep the skin healthy, prevents diseases caused by viruses and strengthens the immune system. Vitamin A is also good for your eyes and your hair..
Diabetes
Tomatoes contain chromium, a mineral believed to help sufferers of diabetes keep their blood sugar levels under control. However, there are some reservations in regards to chromium. "Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, some experts do believe that chromium can be harmful," says the Diabetes.co.uk website. Chromium could potentially be harmful to people suffering from depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
Migraines
Tomatoes are a good source of riboflavin. Riboflavin has been shown to help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks in those who suffer from them, says The World's Healthiest Foods website.
Daily Recommended Values
Eating tomatoes regularly is an excellent way to meet daily recommended levels for a number of vitamins and minerals. According to the TomatoesWeb website, a cup of fresh tomatoes will provide 57.3 percent of the daily recommended value for vitamin C, 22.4 percent for vitamin A and 7.9 percent of the daily value for fiber.
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