Why You Should Eat Tomatoes

The tomato is commonly referred to as a vegetable but it is truly a fruit. It has become almost a perfect food for a healthy diet. Scientific research has shown that it helps prevent a number of illnesses as well as helps reduce other health problems.

Over the last decade science has shown the tomato to have a significant positive effect on health. "A daily glass of tomato juice has potential to keep a person healthy for life". It is a wonder that all doctors don't recommend tomatoes or tomato juice to their patients. The vitamins found in tomatoes are A, C, B2, K, and B6. Other nutrients are copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, niacin, riboflavin, chromium, protein, lycopene, fiber, and folate. The presence of lycopene has been found to prevent cancerous cell formations and it is very high in tomatoes. Lycopene can reduce the risk of colon, prostate, stomach, lung, breast, pancreatic and endometrial cancer. Other diseases that can be lessened due to tomato consumption are high blood pressure, migraine headaches, diabetic blood sugar control, macular degeneration, and strokes.

The tomato is one of the top selling foods in the United States. When selecting tomatoes, one should pick a bright red, firm, smooth skinned tomato with no wrinkles, cracks, or bruises. July through September are the best months for selection. Canned tomatoes should come from the USA due to the different preparation standards throughout the world. Cooking tomatoes reduces the acidity and increases the sweetness and lycopene in them. Ketchup is best when it is organic.

Early in our history the tomato was shunned and thought to be poisonous. The leaves do contain toxic substances but the tomato fruit is one of the best foods to enjoy in a healthy diet today.