Tomatoes contain several nutrients that may support prostate health:

• Lycopene: A powerful antioxidant that may help protect cells against oxidative damage.

• Vitamin C: Supports normal immune function and protects cells from oxidative stress.

• Beta-carotene: Supports normal cell function.

• Polyphenols: Plant compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Lycopene has received particular attention in prostate cancer research.

Tomatoes may be beneficial for prostate health and could play a role in reducing prostate cancer risk, mainly because they contain an antioxidant called lycopene.

Per 100 grams of raw red tomato:

Research has found some associations between higher tomato or lycopene consumption and lower prostate cancer risk, but findings are inconsistent.

Laboratory studies suggest lycopene may:

• Reduce oxidative stress.

• Influence pathways involved in cancer cell growth.

• Affect inflammation and cellular signalling.

Tomatoes can help with weight management and obesity, especially when they replace higher-calorie foods in your diet.

Tomatoes don’t directly burn body fat, but they are an excellent food to include in a weight-loss diet.

• Very low in calories: Only about 18 calories per 100 grams.

• High water content: Approximately 95% water, helping you feel full.

• Dietary fibre: Supports digestion and contributes to fullness.

• Low in fat: Only about 0.2 g per 100 g.

• Low calorie density: You can eat a relatively large portion without consuming many calories.

Tomatoes offer several benefits:

• Low carbohydrates: Approximately 3.9 g per 100 g, making them suitable for many diabetes-friendly diets.

• Low natural sugar: Approximately 2.6 g per 100 g.

• Fibre: Helps support digestion and overall blood sugar management.

• Lycopene: An antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

• Vitamin C: Supports normal immune function and antioxidant protection.

• Potassium: Supports healthy blood pressure regulation.

However, replacing high-carbohydrate foods with non-starchy vegetables such as tomatoes can help with overall blood sugar management.

A few precautions:

• Avoid tomato sauces with added sugar.

• Choose unsweetened tomato juice.

• Be mindful of sodium in canned tomato products.

• Prefer whole tomatoes over juice because whole tomatoes retain more fibre.

Tomatoes are an excellent food choice for people with diabetes, including type 2 diabetes.

They are naturally low in carbohydrates, contain fibre and antioxidants, and generally have very little effect on blood glucose when eaten whole.

Nutritional value for blood sugar management

• There is no strong scientific evidence that tomatoes worsen arthritis in most people.

• Most people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can eat tomatoes.

• Some individuals report that particular foods aggravate their symptoms, but this is not well established scientifically.

Important exception: gout. Tomatoes are generally low in purines, but some people with gout report tomatoes as a personal trigger. Evidence for this association is limited.

Tomatoes can be a healthy addition to an arthritis-friendly diet because they contain antioxidants, vitamin C and other plant compounds that may help protect cells against inflammation and oxidative stress.

Nutritional values per 100 g of fresh tomatoes:

Try including tomatoes regularly:

• One medium tomato with breakfast.

• Tomato and leafy green salad at lunch.

• Homemade tomato sauce with olive oil at dinner.

You can also eat cooked tomatoes because cooking makes lycopene more bioavailable.

Tomatoes can contribute to good mental health through nutrition, mainly because they contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that support normal brain function.

Tomatoes can help with depression, anxiety and memory?