8 Benefits of Tomatoes

There’s a lot of confusion on whether a tomato is a fruit or vegetable and we’re here to reveal it’s a fruit! Why? Well, it’s seed-bearing and develops from the ovary of a flowering plant.

Tomatoes along with cucumbers and courgettes are categorised as vegetables and this is partly due to their lower carb and sugar contents.

1. Rich in antioxidants such as lycopene
2. Boosts your digestion (thanks to the fluid and fibre in it)
3. Improves your vision
4. Helps to stimulate blood circulation
5. Prevents premature ageing
6. Reduces inflammation and blood pressure
7. Great source of vitamins (a single tomato can supply vitamin A which supports immunity, vision and skin health; vitamin K, which is good for your bones; and potassium, a key nutrient for heart function, muscle contractions, and maintaining healthy blood pressure and fluid balance.)
8. Great for skin health

Tomatoes contain an antioxidant called Lycopene, which is responsible for their red colour and this means it also carries anti-cancer properties and is good for your eyes. That’s not the only protective nutrient in tomatoes: they contain lutein and beta-carotene. These nutrients support your vision and protect against eye conditions including cataracts and macular degeneration.

Tomatoes have also been found to guard skin health. Several studies have found that the combination of tomato paste and olive oil can protect against sun damage and boosts the production of pro-collagen (a molecule that gives the skin its structure and keeps it firm and youthful). Lycopene is also a key factor behind this. It’s at its highest concentration when tomatoes have been cooked, and olive oil boosts its absorption from your digestive system into your bloodstream.