Tomatoes are so common in our diet today that it’s strange to think they were once considered poisonous and used only for decorative purposes.

Super antioxidant

More recently tomatoes have become a hot health topic because of their high content of lycopene – the important antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red colour and helps mop up damaging free radicals. Not only does lycopene appear to protect men from prostate cancer, it may also be protective against breast cancer. Research also suggests lycopene may be effective against cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration and even premature aging of the skin.

More Nutrition

In addition to the star nutrient lycopene, tomatoes are also high in fibre and loaded with vitamins A, C and K, plus the alkalising mineral potassium. These nutrients work together to boost the effectiveness of lycopene and give you even more reasons to enjoy them now that the season is in full swing.

Go easy

Although tomatoes won’t cause problems for most people, keep in mind they are one of the foods most often associated with allergies. Like other members of the nightshade family – aubergines, peppers, potatoes and goji berries – they can promote inflammation if you overdo it. As with most foods, experimenting is the best way to find out if something is affecting you adversely. If you suffer from any kind of arthritis, unexplained aches and pains, exaggerated soreness after exercise or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), try reducing or avoiding nightshades for a month to see if symptoms improve. The therapeutic effects of tomatoes may actually be greater in moderate doses, again underlining the wisdom of eating seasonably. After all, it was only recently that we could afford to eat tomatoes year-round.

Fresh off the vine

The hothouse variety is always available thanks to the conveniences of global food distribution, so it’s easy to forget that tomatoes do have a season. Indulge in the natural ripeness and juiciness of tomatoes from now until the end of autumn. You’ll find an abundance of different kinds available – from cherry tomatoes still on the vine to the deep red Italian pear-shaped ‘Roma’ tomatoes.

Food Synergy

When adding to salads, remember that the carotenoid nutrients in tomatoes are best absorbed when combined with fat-rich foods like avocados, olive oil and nuts. Cooking dramatically increases the availability of lycopene, so enjoy the versatility of summer tomatoes in omelettes, chilli, pasta sauces, bruschetta and my favourite – baked in the oven with fresh thyme and a drizzle of olive oil.

You can reap the benefits of lycopene by eating canned or jarred tomatoes year-round. And always leave the skins on – tomatoes are best eaten whole to get the maximum effect!