We eat them green, we eat them red, you can slice and dice them; you can puree them, spread them, cook them or eat them raw. So how good are tomatoes for us?

The humble tomato, long the workhorse of sauces and soups, has finally come into its own, taking center stage in the war against diseases. Of course, weve known for a long time that tomatoes are a healthy food, but emerging science suggests a link between the consumption of tomatoes and a decreased risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke (to name but a few).

Tomatoes contain many nutrients, including vitamins C, B-complex and important minerals like iron and potassium and are also a good source of fiber, have no fat, sodium or cholesterol and a mere 35 calories per medium tomato. In addition, they're a rich source of lycopene (lie-co-pen) the component that makes tomatoes red; a beneficial antioxidant found in all tomatoes. Lycopenes are a part of the family of pigments called cartenoids. Cartenoids are what create the colors in fruits and vegetables, and, like essential amino acids, this compound is not made in the human body. In contrast to many other food phytonutrients, whose effects have only been studied in animals, lycopene from tomatoes has been repeatedly studied in humans and found to be protective against a growing list of cancers. These now include prostate, breast, endometrial , lung and colorectal cancers. A study published in the 2003 issue of the American Journal of clinical Nutrition found that in patients with colorectal adenomas, a type of polyp that is the precursor for most colorectal cancers, blood levels of lycopene were 35% lower compared to study subjects with no polyps. Surprisingly though, lycopene is found to be in higher concentrations in cooked tomatoes such as pasta sauces and canned products. This means its even easier to introduce this garden star into your family's diet.

Botanically, scientists say tomatoes are a fruit, since they meet the definition of a fruit because the edible parts of tomatoes contain the seeds, as do all other fruits. However, in 1893, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled tomatoes to be legally vegetables because they are eaten with the main part of the meal instead of at the end. Of course, this ruling made tomatoes subject to the tax on vegetables at the time; a rather interesting coincidence. Although tomatoes are fruits, they don't have the dessert quality sweetness of other fruits. Instead they have a subtle sweetness that is complemented by a slightly bitter and acidic taste. Cooking tempers the acid and bitter qualities in tomatoes and brings out their warm, rich, sweetness, which is why experts are now recommending that eating lots of cooked tomatoes is beneficial to your health.

So what else are tomatoes good for?

Coronary Heart Disease. Studies have shown that consuming tomatoes and tomato products reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Tomatoes help to dissolve animal fat in foods such as in butter, cheese, eggs, beef and many deep fried foods, thereby preventing hardening of the arteries. Moreover, the tomato is useful in reducing high blood pressure, a major risk factor for coronary heart diseases and strokes. Lycopene has been found to reduce LDL oxidation more effectively than beta-carotene. Scientists have found that a combination of lycopene with vitamin E prevents LDL oxidation more effectively than each substance separately. A clinical study showed that Lithuanians who suffered a high rate of mortality from coronary heart disease had low blood lycopene levels. In addition to protecting LDL from oxidation, tomato's lycopene also inhibits cholesterol synthesis.

Reduces High Blood Pressure (hypertension). Potassium is very important for the kidneys, and has been found to reduce high blood pressure. One jumbo tomato (approximately 3 inches in diameter and weighing about 7 oz.) contains nearly 0.02oz. of potassium.

Restores health of liver. Russian doctors prescribe tomatoes in the diets of factory workers exposed to toxic chemicals, because tomatoes are useful detoxifiers due to of the presence of chlorine and sulphur, two very important detoxifying trace elements. 100 grams of uncooked tomatoes contain 51 mg of chlorine and 11 mg of sulphur. Natural chlorine helps to stimulate the liver, assisting it in its task as an important filter for body wastes. Sulphur helps to protect the liver from cirrhosis and other debilitating conditions. Drinking fresh tomato juice can help to regenerate damaged or destroyed livers. "A tomato a day, keeps the liver in good stay!," according to John Heinerman, noted author and herbalist.

Good For your Bones. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin K. An impressive 17% of the daily requirement vitamin K, which is important for maintaining bone health, is found in one cup of raw tomato. Vitamin K1 activates osteocalcin, the major non-collagen protein in bone. Osteocalcin anchors calcium molecules inside of the bone. Therefore, without enough vitamin K, osteocalcin levels are inadequate, and bone mineralization is impaired.

Prevents Diarrhea. In 1946, Dr. Lester M. Morrison reported that diarrhea from simple, or non-organic causes, such as food poisoning, nutritional deficiency or food allergies, can be stopped within 4 hours with tomatoes. Add one tablespoon of tomato pulp to one glass of milk and take at two-hour intervals. Tomatoes have also been found to relieve other gastric disturbances such as heartburn, nausea and vomiting.

Relieves Eye Irritation. To relieve blood shot eyes, Chinese doctors suggest eating 1 or 2 fresh tomatoes first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Scientists believe that the Vitamin C and flavonoids in the tomatoes strengthen the blood vessels.

Heals wounds and sores. Tribal medicine men often prescribed poultices made from the leaves of wild tomatoes to heal wounds and sores. Simply take a slice of fresh tomato, wrap it around the wound by applying an adhesive tape to hold the tomato in place. Change the tomato slice 2-3 times a day. The infection will normally clear up within 2-3 days.

Restores Vitality (For Persistent Fatigue). Hypoglycemic people (those who have low blood sugar) are beset with constant fatigue and lack of energy. Tomatoes are useful in rebuilding their strength. Since tomatoes contain several naturally occurring sugars (which account for nearly 50% of the total dry matter), tomatoes are especially high in glucose and fructose. In addition, tomatoes stimulate liver mechanism. Doctors at Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan reported that fresh tomato juice was extremely effective in accelerating the glycogen (blood sugar) formation in normal rabbits. Finally, tomato seeds are a great source of protein.

Cosmetic Benefits

Rejuvenates and Cleanses the Skin. Tomatoes are excellent for face peels, loosening the top layer of dead skin cells rubbing them off. It is good for all types of skins. Rub tomato slices directly into your clean skin, concentrating on areas more prone to blocked or clogged pores.

For a quick and simple to use mask, slice a ripe tomato as thin as possible. Lie down and close your eyes. Apply the slices to your face. Wait 10 to 15 minutes. Let the juices seep into your skin. After the 10 to 15 minutes are up, use a slice to rub the juices further into the skin. The tomato works as a face peel, removing all dead, dry skin and leaving your face soft and smooth. Rub off the excess tomato, leaving the residue on your skin. The mild natural acidity of the tomato restores the ph balance of your skin.

Heals Sunburn.Proponents say that tomatoes are useful for healing sunburns (in addition to transforming it into a modest tan). Soak peeled tomato slices in buttermilk. Apply them directly on the skin affected. It will close up the pores and relieve the pain. Alternately, a puree of thinly sliced tomatoes mixed with buttermilk spread over the skin will help the skin tan (or speed up the process) instead of remaining as a burn. Note: Although you should always use sun block to decrease your chances of burning in the first place, if you do use this remedy, use with caution because its very abrasive, since the skin becomes very sensitive due to too much sun.

This is very persuasive evidence on the whole with regards to benefits of tomatoes. Tomatoes are one of the most versatile food ingredients in the world and there are numerous ways in which you can get your intake of tomatoes. So include them in your diet by making fresh salads with diced tomatoes, onion and garlic or bell peppers (or hot peppers). Or enjoy a pizza topped with your favorite vegetables. If dont have time, quite simply open a can of tomato soup for lunch and enjoy with your favorite sandwich. For the die-hard health conscious (or just those who like the taste of tomatoes); tomato juice first thing in the morning will refresh your senses and kick-start your day. If you've got friends over, serve them fresh tomato sauce with chips or spoon the sauce over grilled chicken or other meats.