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Top 3 Reasons to Eat More Tomatoes

July 31, 2014 by 23 Comments

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Groovy Green Livin Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a favorite in our home. This year we planted a few tomato plants in our garden. They were growing and thriving until the deer discovered them and decided to eat a few of the plants. There are plenty left, but I would love any suggestions on how to prevent this next year.

The remaining tomatoes aren’t quite ready to pick. We’re waiting impatiently. There’s nothing like fresh plum tomatoes straight off the vine.

Groovy Green Livin tomatoes

Did you know that tomatoes aren’t vegetables? They are a citrus fruit.

Whether large or small, they pack a powerful punch by way of nutrients and health benefits. They are truly a super-food.

Here are the top 3 reasons to eat more tomatoes

Keep Cancer Away

The tomato’s beautiful red color comes from a phytochemical called lycopene. According to the American Cancer Society, studies have shown that risks for some types of cancer are lower in people with higher lycopene levels in their blood. 

I was a bit surprised to learn that tomatoes that have been crushed and cooked appear to be a better source of lycopene than those eaten raw. Apparently mashing, pureeing  and cooking releases more of the lycopene from the tomato, making it easier for our bodies to absorb. 

Ward Off Heart Disease

A study by scientists at Tufts University found regularly eating lycopene, found in tomatoes, over many years can have a powerful positive effect on heart health. In another study a supplement of lycopene improved function of the the inner lining of blood vessels in volunteers with cardiovascular disease. 

Strong Bones

Vitamin K and lycopene, both found in tomatoes and tomato products, help prevent bone loss. A serving of tomatoes provide 18% the daily value for vitamin K, which promotes bone health. Lycopene, a potent antioxidant found predominantly in tomatoes and tomato products, helps to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis.

Time to eat those tomatoes! Stick with organic tomatoes whenever you can.

What’s your favorite way to eat tomatoes? Mine: roasted with garlic and olive oil. 

photo credit: Pieter Musterd via photopin cc  and arbyreed via photopin cc

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Filed Under: Green Foods, Healthy Living Tagged With: gardening, Organic, tomatoes, vegetables

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lauryn

    July 31, 2014 at 7:58 am

    Nothing is better than a fresh tomato! Oh how I will miss my own this year, but next year for sure!

  2. Annemarie (Real Food Real Deals)

    July 31, 2014 at 8:17 am

    I never liked tomatoes until I was an adult and I tasted one fresh off the vine. You’re right, there’s nothing like them! It’s always interesting to hear about foods that have a higher nutrient content when they’re cooked. One more reason to make homemade tomato sauce. 🙂

  3. Mel {MamaBuzz}

    July 31, 2014 at 9:25 am

    Oh my gosh, I love tomatoes even more now, though I don’t know if it’s possible to love them more. lol My sister actually told us to hang Irish Spring and Dial soap around our garden; she’s kept deer out of her garden for years doing this. We’ve tried it this year, and so far so good (knock on wood). I hope they stay away…. I want my tomatoes.:)
    Mel {MamaBuzz} recently posted..Introducing My New eBook – Blog Design Elements of SuccessMy Profile

  4. Caroline Murphy

    July 31, 2014 at 9:32 am

    I love tomatoes and so does my 3 year old. She’ll grab a tomato and eat it like an apple! Happy about that! Great info shared, thanks!
    Caroline Murphy recently posted..DIY Microwave PopcornMy Profile

  5. Jessica @ KeepingMommySane

    July 31, 2014 at 10:21 am

    My favorite way is sliced with basil, mozzarella and olive oil. Not the most original but so very yummy.

  6. Heather G

    July 31, 2014 at 11:28 am

    I love tomatoes! My husband doesn’t agree but my toddler loves them too! Our favorite is just eating them plain! Not nearly as good cooked.

  7. Charlene DeLoach

    July 31, 2014 at 1:48 pm

    My daughter LOVES cherry tomatoes. They are like candy to her. Looks like its not such a bad thing! She’ll be one healthy girl!

  8. nancy b.

    July 31, 2014 at 2:33 pm

    I didn’t grow tomatoes for the first time this year – feeling a little jealous 🙂
    I like them plain or with fresh mozzarella and basil.
    nancy b. recently posted..A Cool Bowling DayMy Profile

  9. Drew Bennett

    July 31, 2014 at 6:10 pm

    We grew a couple of tomato plants this year, late and so we are still patiently awaiting them to be ripe.
    Drew Bennett recently posted..Interview with Zoe Saldana – #GuardiansOfTheGalaxyEventMy Profile

  10. Emily @Random Recycling

    July 31, 2014 at 9:22 pm

    I just love a good beefsteak tomato with blue cheese.
    Emily @Random Recycling recently posted..What happens when kids bring one pail to the beach?My Profile

  11. Annie {Stowed Stuff}

    August 1, 2014 at 7:25 am

    Did someone say strong bones? I think the Stow household could use a few more tomatoes in our recipes! I’m not a HUGE fan, but Chris is. He plants his own every year.

  12. Lori

    August 1, 2014 at 7:27 am

    I never ate tomatoes as a kid Annie, but now I love them. Roasted with salt, olive oil and garlic.

  13. Lori

    August 1, 2014 at 7:27 am

    That sounds delicious Emily. So simple!

  14. Lori

    August 1, 2014 at 7:28 am

    They’re so easy to grow aren’t they Drew? My kids love watching them grow and ripen.

  15. Lori

    August 1, 2014 at 7:28 am

    If ours every turn red I’ll share Nancy.

  16. Lori

    August 1, 2014 at 7:29 am

    They are like candy to me too Charlene. Love that your daughter likes them! There are plenty of kids that won’t touch them unless they’re on pizza or pasta.

  17. Lori

    August 1, 2014 at 7:29 am

    Lucky you that your toddler likes tomatoes Heather. I love eating plum or grape tomatoes right off the vine.

  18. Lori

    August 1, 2014 at 7:30 am

    Yum! Your’e not alone Jessica.

  19. Lori

    August 1, 2014 at 7:30 am

    That’s great Caroline. When my kids were little they didn’t love tomatoes.

  20. Essence

    August 3, 2014 at 4:46 pm

    Something you can try for the deer next year is a hot pepper spray. To make puree four or five hot chili peppers with a gallon of water, strain, and spray. This is even more effective if you let the puree age for a day or so before you strain and use it. It will not harm the tomato plants.

    It would need to be re-applied after rain.

    Its simple natural and effective.

  21. Lori

    August 4, 2014 at 7:31 am

    Thank you so much for this excellent tip. We’ll give it a try. So simple!

  22. Sarah

    August 8, 2014 at 3:57 am

    I’ve loved tomatoes ever since when I was a kid. My mom always told me to eat them ‘coz they have lots of health benefits, and as a bonus they are also low in calories.
    Sarah recently posted..Intermittent fasting for weight loss – What you need to knowMy Profile

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Hi! I’m Lori, a recovering attorney, writer, and mom to three teenagers. Join me as I uncover and share the latest info on healthy living.

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