Health benefits of eating tomatoes – are they even healthier when cooked?

Tomatoes originate from the Andes, growing wild in what is now Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador. The Incas and Aztecs were the first to cultivate tomatoes in as early as 700 AD, and they’ve since grown to be one of the most popular fruits on the planet. Little wonder, not only are they delicious but there are loads of health benefits of eating tomatoes too – we take a closer look here, as well as discussing whether tomatoes can be even healthier when cooked.

Tomatoes are brimming with vitamins

Toms are packed full of vitamins A, C and E.

Working together, this powerful trio help keep your skin, bones and teeth in tiptop condition, as well as boosting your immune system and helping to maintain good gut health.

And they help fight off free radicals

Free radicals are chemicals that attack and damage cells in the body. They can contribute to many chronic health problems like cardiovascular and inflammatory disease – including arthritis.

Tomatoes are a fantastic source of flavonoids and carotenoids, antioxidants that can help fight off free radicals – as well as containing a host of other compounds that are linked to significant health benefits.

Tomatoes may also help to combat cancer

Tomatoes are extremely high in a cancer-fighting compound called lycopene.

Studies have linked diets that are high in lycopene with lower incidents of prostate cancer – the second biggest cause of death among men in the Western world. Lycopene may also help reduce the risk of lung and stomach cancer. And research data suggests that lycopene might help prevent breast cancer.

They can even boost post-exercise recovery

Even your exercise recovery can be boosted by eating tomatoes. A study by Greek scientists saw athletes either given an energy drink or tomato juice after strenuous exercise. Those who drank the tomato juice showed signs of quicker muscle recovery and reduced inflammation.

The hot topic – are tomatoes healthier cooked or raw?

Are tomatoes even healthier cooked?

On one hand, cooking may reduce contents of vitamin C and flavonoids. On the other hand, cooking tomatoes can actually boost levels of lycopene availability, the cancer-fighting compound we mentioned above. That’s because when tomatoes are cooked, the heat breaks down their thick cell walls and makes the lycopene more accessible to the body. And to increase the amount of lycopene your body can absorb even more, add in some olive oil when you’re cooking.

So, to cook or not to cook – what’s the answer? Eat plenty of tomatoes, raw and cooked! (And for inspiration, check out our delicious recipes below.)

Why British tomatoes are best

Tomatoes are a powerhouse of nutrition – and particularly British tomatoes.

With only minimal transport involved, British tomatoes can be harvested on the exact day they’re fully ripe and ready to eat. This cuts down the time between field and fork, so British tomatoes maintain more of their nutritional goodness than imported tomatoes that travel further and for longer. And British tomatoes can be stored at room temperature rather than being refrigerated (tomatoes shouldn’t be stored in the fridge, this can really reduce the flavour of this delicious fruit).

All this means, British toms are fresher and tastier than tomatoes brought in from overseas – and because they’re grown with the environment in mind (including having fewer food miles), they’re more sustainable too.

Want to get more tomatoes in your diet?

From hearty meals, light lunches and quick, tasty treats, we’ve got everything you need to start making the most of the health benefits of eating tomatoes.

Check out our amazing selection of recipes below and head over to our recipe page: https://www.britishtomatoes.co.uk/recipes