p_ponomareva / Getty Images
Key Takeaways
Tomatoes come in several delicious varieties, from beefsteak to Roma.
Variety is key, and this really goes for any fruits and vegetables, Houlie said.
One raw, medium-sized tomato contains roughly 22 calories and less than one gram of fat.
p_ponomareva / Getty Images
Antioxidants can help combat free radicals, unstable molecules that damage the bodys cells and can lead to cancer.
One medium tomato contains about the same amount of potassium as a banana.
Potassium and sodium are both vital ingredients for heart function, Kearney explained.
These nutrients are all important, but several studies have linked lycopene to lower heart disease risk and mortality.
Support Exercise Recovery
Tomatoes contain several electrolytes, which are essential for basic cell functioning.
One recent study found that people who consumed more potassium and less sodium had better cognitive function.
Another study considered how carotenoids, the antioxidants that color vegetables, affect brain health in the long term.
Help Balance Blood Sugar
Tomatoes can help manage blood sugar in people with diabetes, Kearney said.
Theirfiber contenthelps regulate blood sugar and bowel movements.
Fiber just naturally slows digestion down, so its going to keep you fuller longer, Houlie added.
This is especially important given that 95% of the U.S. population doesnt get enough fiber, Kearney said.
Naringenin, a polyphenol found in citrus fruit and tomatoes, may also have anti-diabetic properties.
Eat a variety of tomato recipes and products to get the best balance of nutrients.
USDA: FoodData Central.Tomatoes, red, ripe, raw, year round average.
2017;61(9).
2022;98(21):e2150-e2162.
2019;9(3):99. doi:10.3390/biom9030099
