Question: Are Tomatoes Bad for Your Health?
Answer: In the 17th and early 18th centuries, colonial Americans thought tomatoes were poisonous. But they're not poisonous at all, and in fact, tomatoes are good for you. Tomatoes contain lots of vitamins and minerals plus they are an excellent source of lycopene and beta carotene. Lycopene is a phytochemical carotenoid found in the red pigment of tomatoes, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Tomatoes are also low in calories, so you can include them in a weight loss diet and they contain fiber, which is good for your digestive system. Tomatoes are good for you whether they're raw or cooked. Raw tomatoes contain more vitamin C, but cooked or processed tomatoes concentrates the amount of lycopene.
Add slices of fresh tomatoes to sandwiches and salads, or serve them as a salad with basil, mozzarella cheese, balsamic vinaigrette and olive oil. These are some of my favorite recipes that feature tomatoes:
- Fresh Salsa
- Heirloom Tomato Salad
- Quick Broiled Tomatoes With Parmesan Cheese
- Gazpacho With Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Peppers
- Whole Baked Tomatoes
Source:
Sari Voutilainen, Tarja Nurmi, Jaakko Mursu and Tiina H Rissanen, "Carotenoids and cardiovascular health." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 83, No. 6, 1265-1271, June 2006.
