Are Tomatoes Bad for Your Health?

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, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Tomatoes are also low in calories, so you can include them in your weight loss diet (low-fat or low-carb), and they contain fiber, which is good for your digestive system. Raw tomatoes contain more vitamin C, but cooked or processed tomatoes concentrates the amount of lycopene.

Serving Tomatoes

Add slices of fresh tomatoes to sandwiches and salads, or serve them as a salad with basil, mozzarella cheese, balsamic vinaigrette and olive oil. Or try one of these recipes:

• Fresh Salsa
• Heirloom Tomato Salad
• Quick Broiled Tomatoes With Parmesan Cheese
• Gazpacho With Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Peppers
• Whole Baked Tomatoes

More About Tomatoes

• Health Benefits of Tomatoes
• Tomatoes May Lower Cancer Risk
• Quick Ideas for Fresh Tomatoes

Got more questions? I may have the answers for questions about fruits and vegetables.

_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.}