Nature

The health benefits of tomatoes

Whether you love sliced beef tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil, or tomato sauce on your linguine pasta – eating tomatoes regularly is good for your heath, as well as your palate. Here we look at the different health benefits of tomatoes.

Tomatoes are native to South America, but they have been grown and enjoyed in Europe for hundreds of years. Recently, they have been linked to all kinds of health benefits. One US study found that eating tomatoes regularly could reduce the risk of men getting prostate cancer. The glossy red fruits (which actually come in all kinds of colours, including yellow and deep purple) are packed full of vitamins – including vitamins A, C and E.

They also contain flavonoids (natural anti-inflammatories), potassium and other mineral salts. Tomatoes contain a high volume of water, and they're refreshing in salads on hot days. They're low in calories too, with around 14 kilocalories per 100g – approximately one and a half classic tomatoes, or five to six cherry tomatoes.