• Vitamins & Supplements
  • Food & Drink
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Free From
  • Natural Beauty
  • Weight Management
  • Offers
  • Summer Shop
  • The Health Hub
  • Learn more Healthbox
  • Account
Track your order Delivery & Returns Help Centre My subscriptions

Customer Service

  • Contact us
  • Site map
  • Site map
  • Store locator

About us

  • Who are we
  • Working at Holland & Barrett
  • Press releases
  • Privacy & cookie policy
  • Terms & conditions
  • Holland & Barrett More
  • Holland & Barrett International
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Modern Slavery Statement

Connect with us

Store
0370 606 6606
My account
Rewards
  • Sign in
  • How do I join?
  • What are the benefits?
  • FAQs
Holland & Barrett :: the good life
  • Menu
  • Account
  • Store
  • Basket
    Search for
    • Vitamins & Supplements
    • Food & Drink
    • Sports Nutrition
    • Free From
    • Natural Beauty
    • Weight Management
    • Offers
    • The Health Hub
    • Healthbox

    Home / Food & Drink / Food / Benefits of eating tomatoes

    hands holding fresh tomatoes
    hands holding fresh tomatoes

    Benefits of eating tomatoes

    Tomatoes are sweet fruits that can enhance so many savoury dishes. You can cook them down for a rich base, chop them for salads and sandwiches, or eat them raw for a refreshing snack.

    It should come as no surprise that tomatoes are good for you, but did you know just how healthy these juicy red fruits are? Here we’ll look at the key health benefits of eating tomatoes so that you can enjoy them with even more reason.

    Different types of tomato

    Although we use them as a vegetable, tomatoes are a fruit from the nightshade family, which also includes aubergine, peppers, and potatoes. There are lots of different types of tomatoes, all of which work well for different kinds of cooking. For example, small and sweet cherry tomatoes are perfect for salads and sandwiches. In contrast, fresh vine tomatoes are delicious in just about any dish.1

    The type of tomatoes you choose will come down to preference and the dishes you intend to use them in. There’s no reason not to try every option you can get your hands on, experimenting with flavour and texture until you find the combinations you love.

    The health benefits of tomatoes

    Tomatoes have a very high vitamin content, packed with beta-carotene (which turns into vitamin A in the body), vitamins C, E, and K, and some B vitamins.2 Eating tomatoes is a great way to make sure you get some of the vitamins you need in your diet, while you can also take supplements if you’re worried your diet is missing nutrients.

    Beta-carotene contributes to the colour of many orange and yellow fruits and is essential for eye health.3 The red-orange pigment’s conversion to vitamin A which contributes to normal function of the immune system.

    Vitamin C, which is also present in tomatoes, helps protect your body’s cells and keep them healthy. This vitamin is also crucial for maintaining healthy skin, bones, and cartilage as it supports normal collagen formation.4

    Tomatoes benefits for skin

    Tomatoes contain carotenoids including beta-carotene. Beta-carotene may help prevent UV damage.5 However, eating tomatoes doesn’t stop you from getting sunburnt, and you should still be careful in the sun and wear SPF to avoid damage.

    Some of the compounds in tomatoes are also proven to have other beneficial health effects when consumed. These include vitamin E as well as lycopene and lutein.6

    Whatever way you choose to eat tomatoes, we’re sure you’ll find plenty of recipes you love. From savoury breakfasts to fresh lunches and delicious dinners, there’s no limit to the meals you can create with this tasty and nutritious fruit.

    Last updated: 10 June 2020

    Sources
    1 https://www.naturefresh.ca/types-of-tomatoes-guide/
    2 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-tomatoes
    3 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others/
    4 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-c/
    5 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-tomatoes
    6 https://www.healthline.com/health/tomato-benefits-for-skin

    Tweet
    Follow on Instagram
    Food Food & Drink Nutrition

    You may also like

    5 reasons to swap soy sauce for tamari

    Article

    5 reasons to swap soy sauce for tamari

    Tamari is an increasingly popular ingredient in the UK, but perhaps you’re not sure exactly..

    READ MORE...
    Your ultimate guide to tapioca flour + 8 top uses

    Article

    Your ultimate guide to tapioca flour + 8 top uses

    What is tapioca flour? Native to South America, tapioca flour is made by crushing a..

    READ MORE...
    Is egg the best source of protein?

    Article

    Is egg the best source of protein?

    Fitness fanatics love protein-rich diets for helping them to maintain muscle mass and give them..

    READ MORE...

    Connect with us

    • Log in Register
    • rewards for life

    Customer service

    • Store locator
    • Contact us
    • Site feedback
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Delivery & returns
    • Site map
    • My account

    About us

    • Who we are
    • Working at Holland & Barrett
    • Press room
    • Privacy & cookie policy
    • Terms & conditions
    • Holland & Barrett More
    • Holland & Barrett International

    Brands

    • Holland & Barrett
    • Bootea
    • Dr Organic
    • Precision Engineered
    • Manuka Doctor
    • Good n Natural
    • Miaroma
    Register
    Click to verify if this website is operating legally

    Copyright © Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2017. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. Registered in England: company no. 2758955. Registered VAT no. 211727395.