Is The Tomato The Best (And Healthiest) Food Ever?
Tomatoes get their red color from lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that is believed to protect against prostate cancer. In lab tests lycopene has also been shown to stop the growth of several other types of cancer cells (including breast, lung, and endometrial), though more research is needed.
Tomatoes contain fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and choline, all of which support cardiovascular health.
(Credit: Flickr/Luke Addison)
Regardless of whether you eat them raw or cooked, tomatoes have a low glycemic index (which means they raise blood sugar less than some other foods) and provide key nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and iron, making them a great choice for diabetics.
(Credit: Flickr/Joana Petrova)
The lycopene in tomatoes can also help protect your skin from visible signs of aging; lycopene fights free-radical damage caused by ultraviolet rays (sun damage) for younger, healthier-looking skin.
(Credit: Flickr/A. Strakey)
Studies suggest that the lycopene in tomatoes may also protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.
(Credit: Flickr/Maggie Osterberg)
Kristie Collado is The Daily Meal's Cook Editor. Follow her on Twitter @KColladoCook.