The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a plant whose fruit is an edible berry that is eaten as a vegetable. 

History and Origin
The tomato originated in the Andes region of South America, spread to Mexico where it was domesticated by pre-Columbian peoples, and was then introduced to Europe by the Spanish in the 16th century. Initially regarded with suspicion and grown ornamentally in northern Europe due to its relation to the poisonous nightshade family, the tomato was embraced as a food primarily in the Mediterranean, eventually becoming a staple crop worldwide.

Nutrient Database - USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)

Reference Values for Nutrition - FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals - Tomatoes are rich in essential vitamins like C and K, minerals such as potassium and folate, and beneficial antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene. These nutrients support various health functions, including healthy skin and strong bones, and may help protect against chronic diseases. A single medium tomato can provide a significant portion of your daily recommended intake for these vital components. 

High in Antioxidants - Tomatoes are high in antioxidants, particularly the pigment lycopene, which gives them their red colour and protects cells from damage that can lead to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Tomatoes also contain vitamin C and other beneficial compounds like flavonoids and beta-carotene, all contributing to their overall health benefits, including improved heart and eye health, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Heart Health - Tomatoes benefit heart health by providing lycopene, an antioxidant that lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol and blood pressure, and by offering potassium, vitamin C, and fiber which further support a healthy cardiovascular system and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Regular tomato consumption can help prevent plaque build-up in arteries and reduce the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. 

Muscle Recovery - Tomatoes and tomato juice can aid in muscle recovery due to their antioxidant properties, particularly from the compound lycopene, which helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress after exercise. Studies show that drinking tomato juice can lead to faster muscle recovery and quicker normalization of blood glucose levels after strenuous activity. Additionally, tomatoes are a good source of electrolytes like potassium and can provide carbohydrates to help replenish glycogen stores, making them a beneficial post-workout addition to a balanced diet.

Bone health - Tomatoes support bone health through several nutrients, including vitamin K, calcium, and lycopene. Vitamin K and calcium are crucial for bone density, while the antioxidant lycopene may help prevent bone loss by fighting inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to bone breakdown.

Cancer Prevention  - Tomatoes and their processed products are linked to lower cancer risk, primarily due to lycopene, an antioxidant with protective effects against various cancers, especially prostate, lung, and stomach cancers. Higher consumption of tomato-based products correlates with a reduced risk, though a direct cause-and-effect relationship isn't definitively proven due to the observational nature of most studies. Including a variety of tomato products, especially when consumed with fat for better lycopene absorption, is recommended as part of a fruit- and vegetable-rich diet to potentially reduce cancer risk. 

Eye and Skin Health - Tomatoes benefit eye and skin health by providing powerful antioxidants like lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene, which protect against UV damage and diseases like age-related macular degeneration. Vitamin C supports collagen production, keeping skin supple, while vitamin K aids wound healing. The carotenoids in tomatoes also reduce sensitivity.

Sperm Motility - Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, which has been shown to improve sperm motility, count, and morphology in some studies on men with infertility and healthy men. This effect is thought to be due to lycopene's ability to reduce oxidative stress, making sperm less vulnerable to damage. While tomato juice consumption demonstrated a positive effect in one study, other studies have focused on lycopene supplementation, and more randomized, placebo-controlled trials are needed for a definitive understanding of tomato's impact on sperm motility.

Cook your Tomatoes - Cooking tomatoes enhances the body's absorption of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, by breaking down their thick cell walls, which trap the nutrient. Combining cooked tomatoes with healthy fats like olive oil further boosts lycopene absorption because it is a fat-soluble nutrient. This combination is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers. 

National Institutes of Health (NIH) (We conclude that the addition of olive oil to diced tomatoes during cooking greatly increases the absorption of lycopene). 

Tomato - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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