7 Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Few foods pack as much nutrition into so few calories as the humble tomato. Whether raw, roasted or simmered into sauce, tomatoes deliver benefits worth putting on your plate every day.

Small fruit, big returns

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health and, in several studies, to a lower risk of certain cancers. Interestingly, cooking tomatoes makes their lycopene easier for your body to absorb, so a warm sauce can beat a raw slice.

They are also loaded with vitamin C for immunity, potassium for healthy blood pressure, and vitamin K for bones. Their high water and fiber content helps you feel full on very few calories — a quiet ally for anyone watching their weight.

Easy ways to eat more

Add them to omelets, blend them into soups, or roast a tray with olive oil and garlic. A daily serving is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to a middle-age diet.