You say tomato, we say tomahto. Either way you say it, you most definitely should be saying “more please!” This fruit (often mistaken for a vegetable) is chock full of so many nutrients our bodies need on a daily basis. Read on—you might find there’s a lot more to this super food that you didn’t know.
8 Facts You Should Know About Tomatoes:
1. Tomatoes are nature’s cancer fighter. Because they contain copious amounts of lycopene, adding tomatoes to your daily food intake can significantly decrease your risk of the following types of cancer: prostate, cervical, mouth, pharynx, throat, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectal, prostate and ovarian. Bonus fact: Lycopene is what gives the tomato its reddish hue.
2. Storing an unripened tomato in the refrigerator is considered a no-no. Not only does it halt the ripening process, but it also tends to lose much of its flavor. It’s best to store tomatoes at room temperature.
3. Tomatoes are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and potassium.
4. Could your skin use a little boost? You could find just what you’re looking for in tomatoes. They’re loaded with beta-carotene, which protects against sun damage and is also found in carrots and sweet potatoes.
5. Carrots can’t take all of the credit for helping your vision. Tomatoes are loaded with vitamin A, a nutrient that helps improve your vision and has been known to help prevent night blindness.
6. The scientific name for tomatoes is Lycopersicon esculentum. (Remember when we told you they’re brimming with lycopene?)
7. Tomatoes are a great way to bulk up salads and sandwiches without adding a lot of sugar or calories. When used in addition to a sensible diet and exercise, tomatoes are a fantastic way to help you lose weight.
8. Fun fact: The largest tomato ever grown (on record) was 7 pounds 12 ounces and was grown in Oklahoma back in 1996.
Facts sourced from TomatoFest, Beliefnet, WebMD and Nutrition-and-You.
- Photography: Nina Lea Photography
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