Health Benefits of Tomatoes

We don’t need to tell you how delicious and versatile tomatoes are, but did you know that they’ve got a wide range of amazing health benefits too? Working with scientists at the University of Portsmouth, we’ve just put together a new report looking at the ways a tomato-rich diet can boost your health.

All-round health superheroes

Tomatoes are rich in nutrients, including plenty of vitamin C, as well as powerful cancer-preventing, cell protecting antioxidants and compounds like lycopene and beta-carotene. These plant-based nutrients are present not only in fresh tomatoes, many are also in processed products like soups, juices and sauces (yes, even ketchup!) However, processed products often contain large amounts of sugar and salt, so always check the label. Better still, make your own meals from fresh British tomatoes – check out our delicious recipes for inspiration.

 Improved gut and heart health

The nutrients from tomatoes can change the makeup of microbes in your gut, your microbiome, which has positive effects on many aspects of your health. The gut communicates with other parts of the body, including the brain and new research suggests keeping your internal microbial community healthy is essential for good overall health and happiness.

By enhancing your microbiome through a diet rich in tomatoes, you can reduce the risks of many diseases related to your gut’s health. Studies also show that tomatoes can protect you against high blood pressure and heart disease and significantly reducing ‘bad’ cholesterol.

Boost recovery

Even your exercise recovery can be boosted by eating tomatoes. In one study, athletes were given tomato juice regularly for two months, the individuals showed a significant decrease in oxidative muscle damage after exercise.

Read our full report 

In summary, the nutrients found in tomatoes help support your health, protecting against cancer, boosting your immune system & gut microbiome health, helping reduce high blood pressure and defending against muscle damage after exercise. For a more detailed analysis, please take a look at the full report.