Although most people think of tomatoes as a vegetable, they technically are considered a fruit and are a popular one at that. Tomatoes are prevalent in the summer months, when it is warm and humid outside. Many people like to grow their own tomato plants in the garden, or have a potted tomato plant on their deck or patio to help avoid pesticides found in produce. Tomatoes are easy to grow, come in a number of different varieties, shapes and sizes and have a delicious taste that many people enjoy. Tomatoes also have many health benefits for your body.

Like zucchini’s, tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C for your body. They also contain other vitamins including: vitamin A, E, B6 and K. They also contain fiber, potassium, folate and more.

Health Benefits Of Tomatoes

Aids In Digestion

Tomatoes not only taste good, but can help add more bulk to your diet. Tomatoes are a fiber-rich food, so they naturally aid in the digestion process. Many people like to add tomatoes to salads, pasta, stir-fries and more to reap their benefits.

Helps Prevent Cancer

Tomatoes have been shown to protect against certain types of cancers including: lung, prostate and stomach cancer. That’s because tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, which has a protective affect on the body. Tomatoes also contain carotenoids, which help protect against breast cancer in women.

Helps With Skin and Eye Health

Tomatoes have been shown to be good for both your skin and eyes. Tomatoes have various compounds including lycopene, which can help protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun and sun burn. They also contain vitamin A, which helps improve vision and helps prevent macular degeneration, as you age.

Great Addition To Your Diet

Whether you grow your own tomatoes, purchase tomatoes at the grocery store or local farmer’s market, tomatoes can make a great addition to your diet. They are plentiful right now and taste much better when they are in season, so make sure you take advantage of their health benefits and enjoy their seasonal goodness.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

P.S. If you are interested in reading more about healthful eating and living a healthy lifestyle, you might want to check out my book, Wholey Cow A Simple Guide To Eating And Living, which is available on Amazon. Click here for a FREE Chapter.

Source:

¹ “11 Impressive Benefits of Tomatoes.” Organic Facts, Organic Facts, 14 May 2018, www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/tomatoes.html.

² “Tomatoes 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/tomatoes.