Summertime and tomatoes! Who knew that the secret to everything from disease prevention to glowing, healthy skin could be found in the world’s most popular fruit? Tomatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, due in part to their high amount of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red color, and may lower the risk of heart disease, improve vision, lower ‘bad’ cholesterol, and even decrease the risk of 9 common types of cancer.
Americans eat over 20 pounds of tomatoes each year. Botanically a fruit, the tomato belongs to the nightshade family, along with eggplants, peppers, and potatoes. They’re nutrient-dense and low in calories—a cup of tomatoes has only 32 calories! In addition to lycopene, the ruby-colored fruits are also loaded with vitamins A and C. But not all tomatoes are created equal! Organic tomatoes have higher concentrations of vitamin C and lycopene. Although conventional tomatoes are larger, the organically grown ones pack more of a nutritional punch.
I love the fact that tomatoes beautify the skin and may even prevent sunburn Want gorgeous skin? You’re in luck—lycopene boosts pro-collagen, the molecule that keeps your skin firm and youthful looking!
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