Tomatoes - Did You Know?

Tomatoes: Even Better for You Than You Thought!

Did you know that tomatoes are a rich source of vital antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C and lycopene, which has been attributed to preventing cancer and other diseases? In fact, tomatoes are one of the richest sources of lycopene (a powerful antioxidant similar to beta carotene) in our diets.

Think Fresh is Best? Think Again.

Although Americans each eat more than 16 pounds of fresh tomatoes a year, we consume the equivalent of 79 pounds in processed tomatoes annually, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Canned tomatoes can be more nutritious than fresh because they're picked red and ripe and processed in a manner that helps retain all the goodness. Scientists have also discovered that packaged, heat-processed tomato products, such as spaghetti sauce, can deliver over six times more lycopene than the equivalent amount of fresh tomatoes. This is because the heat used during processing breaks down tomato cell walls, allowing the lycopene to be better absorbed into the digestive tract. It's important to note that lycopene is fatsoluble, making it more easily absorbed if eaten with fat. So, add a little olive oil, cheese or meat to your favorite tomato-based dish to reap the full benefit of lycopene.

What Antioxidants Do for You

Antioxidants are vital parts of a healthy diet. Lycopene is known to be the most potent of all antioxidants. A diet rich in Vitamin C from fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, heart attack, and diabetes. Vitamin C lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, helps thin blood and protects it against oxidation. Fat-soluble vitamin A is involved in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair and mucous membranes. It helps us to see in dim light and is necessary for proper bone growth, tooth development, and reproduction.

How Can I Make Tomatoes Part of My Diet?

Click here for Tomatoes Tips and Recipe

From ADA. Reproduction of this fact sheet is permitted for educational purposes.