Tomatoes are so good for you!

How much do you know about the amazing benefits of tomatoes? With people seeking more information about the nutritional, health and wellbeing effects of food consumption, this article from Australia suggests fresh and tasty edible tomato morsels can provide a positive change towards helping us enjoy eating more vegetables.

Kylie McKnight, Marketing Manager of Costa’s Tomato Category, who recently commissioned a study to identify the nutritional benefits of their tomato varieties, explains “Changes in consumer expectations have highlighted a shift in purchasing decisions from traditional drivers of taste and price towards those based on health and wellbeing”.

Many people are now adjusting diets to reduce sugar intake. According to their study, including more tomatoes, which are naturally low in sugar, in a varied and balanced diet can lead to better long-term health and disease prevention by reducing the risks of developing heart disease, prostate cancer and type 2 diabetes.

Tomatoes are naturally nutrient rich

Research undertaken by Food & Nutrition Australia, found tomatoes contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Lycopene and Potassium. Other key benefits include:

Low in sugar and kilojoules
Assist in absorbing iron from food
Help reduce tiredness and fatigue
High in vitamins, potassium and the antioxidant lycopene
Assist in maintaining a healthy mind, immune and nervous system*
May help reduce the risk of heart disease*
Assist in development of bones, teeth, gums and skin*
Provide 3 essential vitamins & minerals needed for growth and development in young children* (Potassium, Vitamin A & Vitamin C)

*as part of a varied and balanced diet

Kylie stated “As well as being delicious, tomatoes are a naturally rich source of nutrients and provide a number of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support everyday good health!”

Small changes can lead to big impacts

Simply “swapping out two chocolate chip biscuits for 100g of snacking tomatoes would reduce the intake of added sugar by approximately 1 teaspoon. Over the course of a year, this would equate to 365 fewer teaspoons of added sugar (almost 1.5kg)” according to the study.

This one small behavioural change can lead to improved long-term health benefits.

Top tips to enjoying snack tomatoes

Simply wash and eat them, just as they are, and watch them disappear
Add a handful to your lunchbox for a quick snack on-the-go
Quickly pan fry in olive oil and serve on toast for a healthy start to your day
Create a party treat by threading them onto skewers with basil and mozzarella

Given the findings, where possible, we should all include tomatoes as part of a healthy and balanced diet, along with a higher overall intake of vegetables to assist with mind, body and health management.

Discover more ways to Cure your hunger instantly with snacking salads.

The content, information and material contained in this article is copyright protected and Costa’s Pty Ltd reserves all copyright and moral rights to any material herein. You may only use this material for your own personal reference and you may not use, copy, reproduce, transmit, publish, store, create any derivative work of, modify, alter, convert to a different format, or otherwise amend, in any form or by any means in whole or part without the prior written consent of Costa’s Pty Ltd.