Which tomato is the healthiest?

It can be difficult to select the healthiest tomatoes when there are so many on the market. However, there are a few fundamentals to remember. Check out the lycopene content on the back of any ketchup bottle to learn more about how tomatoes are proven to combat disease. They also include potassium, vitamin A, a gram of fiber that fills the stomach, folate, and other B vitamins.

Elevated in lycopene

The antioxidant lycopene scavenges your body's free radicals, which can harm your cells and cause illnesses like cancer. Due to its ability to decrease blood cholesterol, it is also recognized as a way to prevent heart disease. Nutritionists state that consuming a range of healthful meals high in lycopene is crucial. Tomatoes, watermelon, red grapefruit, pink guavas, and papaya all contain this antioxidant. Lycopene levels in tomatoes that ripen naturally tend to be higher than those that are chemically sprayed. Tomato-based cooked items such as spaghetti sauce, ketchup, and canned tomatoes are excellent providers of this antioxidant. If you do decide to use canned tomatoes, make sure to select ones with a low salt content. Because tomatoes aid in the absorption of iron, a diet high in tomatoes is especially beneficial for expectant mothers. But for some people, consuming too many tomatoes or foods made with tomatoes can have a harmful side effect known as "tomatophagia." The illness can result in health issues, including osteoporosis, and is commonly linked to dietary deficits.

Elevated in potassium

Potassium, which is abundant in tomatoes, lowers blood pressure, balances electrolytes, and lowers cholesterol. They are also a great source of vitamin C, which boosts your energy and maintains a robust immune system. While 292 mg of potassium are found in one medium raw tomato, cooked or concentrated tomatoes provide significantly more. Potassium is included in 909 milligrams per cup of tomato sauce and around 549 milligrams per can of tomato juice. Numerous additional foods can also provide you with significant levels of potassium. A cup of watermelon contains 741 milligrams, while a 3-ounce portion of canned tuna, salmon, or mackerel contains almost 500 mg. Pomegranate juice, carrot juice, and prune juice are high in potassium. Since whole fruits offer more fiber and minerals, choose them over sugar-added liquids.

Rich in Vitamin A

Vitamin A, which is vital for healthy eyes and a strong immune system, is abundant in tomatoes. About 25% of the daily required intake of this vitamin can be obtained from one cup of whole tomatoes. Additionally, they offer a substantial quantity of vitamin C—13.7 milligrams per cup. As an antioxidant, vitamin C promotes tissue growth and aids in the body's absorption of iron. Lycopene, potassium, and vitamin C are among the antioxidants found in tomatoes that are beneficial to heart health, blood pressure, cholesterol control, gut health, skin health, and vision. Based on the study, they might also help prevent certain cancers and other illnesses. Select yellow and orange tomatoes if you're searching for a nutritious powerhouse. Though they have less lycopene than red tomatoes, these types are nevertheless a great source of vitamins A and C, among other nutrients. Heirloom tomatoes have more antioxidants and an even higher level of vitamin A.

Plenty of fiber

Tomatoes are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, folate, and fiber (3.6 grams in a medium tomato). Potassium is a nutrient that the body needs to operate properly, and tomatoes contain more of it than superfoods like avocado, kale, and spinach. Tomatoes may also lower cholesterol and encourage regularity. Lycopene, an antioxidant found in them, has been connected to a decreased risk of cancer and heart disease. Due to its fat solubility, lycopene is best absorbed when consumed with small amounts of fat, such as the fat found in a spoonful of tomato paste or olive oil. Tomatoes contain the carotenoid pigment beta-carotene, which is transformed into vitamin A to support healthy skin and eyes. The vitamin is necessary for cell activity and aids in the development of strong bones. A JAMA study indicates that it might even lower the risk of cognitive deterioration.