Fresh, juicy tomatoes not only add a burst of flavor to your meals but are also packed with vitamins and minerals that can benefit your health. According to Katrina Sommer, an advanced clinical dietitian with OSF HealthCare, tomatoes contain Phytochemicals that help fight inflammation and act as antioxidants.
Phytochemicals are bonus nutrients found in plant foods that can reduce the risk of cancer due to their anti-inflammatory properties. One of these phytochemicals is Lycopene, a type of carotenoid found in tomatoes, watermelon, and grapefruit. Lycopene gives these fruits their bright red or orange color and has been shown to lower the risk of prostate cancer when consumed in high amounts according to research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
If you’re not a fan of eating tomatoes on their own, incorporating them into dishes like tomato sauce or tomato soup can be a good alternative. So next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t forget to pick up some fresh, juicy tomatoes to keep your health at its peak.