Tomatoes Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts

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While you normally read that you should eat raw fruits and vegetables rather than cooked ones, tomatoes are exceptions to the rule. These vitamin packed juicy vegetables (which are really fruit by scientific definition), are good for you raw but increases in lycopene content when you cook them.

Health Benefits from Lycopene

Lycopene is the substance that gives the tomato its red color but it's also a high quality antioxidant. This carotenoid can lower the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that blocks the blood vessels and creates a variety of problems. The tomato doesn't have to be bright red either to offer the body the benefits of lycopene. In fact, a study found that tomatoes that were orange actually had lycopene that was easier for the body to absorb.

The lycopene may be important in preventing osteoporosis too. One study showed that when researchers eliminated lycopene-containing foods from the diet of postmenopausal women for just four short weeks, the women studied showed signs of changes in the bone and oxidative stress. These results changed the mind of scientists about the importance of antioxidants on bone health.

Improve Heart Health from Tomatoes Health Benefits

You'll improve your heart health by consuming fresh tomatoes into your diet too. Eating tomatoes can lower your cholesterol, particularly the LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. They help prevent platelet clumping and contain unique flavonoids not found in other vegetables or fruits. While scientists believe these also add to the heart protecting benefits of the tomato, research continues to find out how.

Tomato Nutrition

One cup of tomatoes contains 57 percent of the daily value for vitamin C, 22 percent for vitamin A, almost 18 percent for vitamin K , in addition to significant amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and E. Tomatoes also contain the mineral molybdenum, potassium, manganese, magnesium, chromium, iron and phosphorous. They are a source of plant protein as well as fiber.

Anti-Cancer Health Benefits from Tomatoes

Since tomatoes contain high amounts of antioxidants, including vitamin C, they also have anti-cancer benefits. Since cancer may begin from chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits they provide help lower the risk for many types of cancer.

Several studies also show that the antioxidant support and other nutrients provided by tomatoes may play a role in decreasing the risk of various neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. In addition, you won't put on all those extra pounds that creep up in later years because a diet high in tomatoes also lowers your risk of obesity.

Tomato Varieties

There are a number of varieties of tomatoes on the market. If you haven't tried heirlooms, you're missing a taste treat that can increase your desire to consume even more tomatoes. Some heirlooms, such as the Black Krim, have a distinctive flavor like no other. While there are no studies on the differences in nutritional content between today's hybrids and heirlooms, recent studies show that the tomatoes in today's produce section contain fewer nutrients than they did years ago. Adding heirlooms and exotic tomatoes to your dinner menu might increase the consumption of tomatoes and provide additional nutrients.