The Nutritional Marvel in Red

Tomatoes are far more than just a salad staple - they’re nutritional powerhouses disguised as simple garden vegetables (technically fruits!). With only 18 calories per 100g, tomatoes deliver an impressive array of vitamins and minerals that support multiple aspects of your health. Their vibrant red color comes from lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that makes tomatoes true superfoods.

Heart Health and Beyond

The star compound in tomatoes is lycopene, which research shows may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Tomatoes also provide 14% of your daily vitamin C needs, supporting immune function and collagen production for healthy skin. The combination of potassium (5% DV) and folate (4% DV) further supports cardiovascular health and proper cell function.

Cooking Tips for Maximum Benefits

Here’s a fascinating fact: cooking tomatoes actually increases the bioavailability of lycopene! Heat breaks down cell walls, making this powerful antioxidant easier for your body to absorb. Whether you’re making sauce, soup, or roasting them whole, cooked tomatoes offer even more nutritional benefits than raw ones.

Versatile and Delicious

From fresh caprese salads to rich marinara sauces, tomatoes adapt to countless culinary applications. Their natural umami flavor enhances dishes while providing vitamin K (7% DV) for bone health and vitamin B6 (5% DV) for brain function. Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature for the best flavor, and never refrigerate them unless fully ripe.