Tomatoes: A Delicious Gift from Nature for Your Health and Your Kitchen

While you should never skip sunscreen, research suggests that lycopene offers extra defense against harmful UV rays. On top of that, the vitamin C in tomatoes encourages collagen production, which keeps skin supple, elastic, and youthful-looking.

It’s a beauty boost and a health benefit, all in one bite.

Fresh or Cooked? The Answer Might Surprise You

Fresh tomatoes are wonderful for salads and sandwiches, but cooking them can actually increase the availability of lycopene in your body. Heating breaks down cell walls in the tomato, releasing more of this antioxidant.

Pairing cooked tomatoes with a healthy fat like extra virgin olive oil — think homemade marinara sauce or a slow-roasted tomato side dish — can help your body absorb even more lycopene. Just be mindful of added salt and sugar in store-bought sauces.

A Few Precautions

For most people, tomatoes are a healthy and safe choice. However, their natural acidity can trigger discomfort for those with acid reflux or frequent heartburn. If that’s you, consider reducing portion size, cooking tomatoes with sweet vegetables like carrots, or adding a pinch of baking soda to sauces to lower acidity.

Easy Ways to Add More Tomatoes to Your Day

• • Breakfast: Add cherry tomatoes to an omelet or enjoy them sliced on whole-grain toast with avocado.
  • Lunch: Toss fresh tomatoes into a leafy salad or blend them into a chilled gazpacho.
  • Dinner: Simmer them into hearty soups, rich pasta sauces, or vegetable stews.

• Snacks: Roast grape tomatoes with herbs and olive oil for a sweet, savory treat.

More Than Just a Kitchen Staple