10 reasons to eat tomatoes

Tuck into tomatoes

It's the middle of fresh tomato season - so make the most of this seasonal produce which is so healthy, and tasty too.

Ten reasons why tomatoes should be on your summer menu:

1. Anti-aging: Tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene, which is quickly gaining a reputation as a miracle worker. Known to be anti-aging, lycopene helps protect the skin from UV damage.
2. Cancer fighting: Lycopene is also credited with helping prevent cancer. Unlike other sources, the absorption of lycopene actually increases when the tomato is heated: pizza, anyone?
3. Blood purifying: Tomatoes help purify the blood, giving protection against blood clots.
4. Diabetic aid: Ever heard of chromium? It's a mineral which works effectively to control blood sugar levels, so great for diabetics. And you guessed it - tomatoes contain loads of the stuff.
5. Vitamin C: Good news for gazpacho lovers: sup this cold soup daily to increase blood levels of vitamin C and decrease free radicals that can cause stress or inflammation.
6. Boost immunity: One cup of tomato juice contains up to 74% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C and 2% of vitamin A, which aid the immune system by fighting free radicals in your blood stream.
7. Bone strengthening: Tomatoes contain calcium and vitamin K, which are essential to strengthen and repair bones and bone tissue.
8. Cholesterol lowering: Eating tomatoes at least four times a week can dramatically reduce your cholesterol levels.
9. Reverse smoking damage: Tomatoes contain coumaric and chlorogenic acid that protect against carcinogens produced from cigarette smoke, helping reverse some of the damage done by smoking.
10. Blood flow booster: The tiny seeds and the jelly surrounding them in a tomato are where most of the vitamins can be found. Eating this part of a tomato has been shown to increase blood flow in as little as three hours.