Tomatoes are one of the most tasty and nutritious fruits available for our everyday diets. Extensive research around the world has shown the benefits of eating tomato based foods on a regular basis. Tomatoes are a major and one of the only dietary sources of the anti-oxidant lycopene, an agent that amongst other things has been found to reduce the risk of a number of cancers. This includes (but is not limited to) prostate, lung, stomach, pancreatic, cervical, colorectal, oral and esophageal forms of this disease. Research has also shown that tomatoes may help in reducing circulatory problems of the heart, brain and elsewhere. This research has shown that tomatoes help to prevent blood clots from forming in the bloodstream – similar to the activity of aspirin.

Tomatoes are an excellent source of, vitamin A, vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium, folic acid and other B vitamins, iron and fiber. Interestingly enough, the lycopene in cooked and processed tomatoes is more readily available and absorbed by our bodies than in raw tomatoes.

The benefits of eating tomatoes can be seen by looking at what is found in a single serving of tomatoes (148g) contains:

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

For more information on Tomatoes and your health, visit the following websites:

World processing tomato council

Global Gourmet

California Tomato Growers Association

California Tomatoes