Due to the bulk presence of a variety of nutrients, tomatoes have a wide range of health benefits and side effects. They are rich in antioxidants with anti-cancer properties. Eating tomatoes helps improve digestion and blood circulation, lower cholesterol levels, remove toxins from the body, prevent premature aging, improve fluid balance and reduce inflammation. This vegetable also protects against diabetes, skin problems, urinary tract infections, and helps improve vision and stomach health. It can even lower blood sugar levels.
- Tomatoes are an important source of vitamins.
One tomato provides about 40% of the minimum recommended daily amount of vitamin C. Additionally, tomato paste provide vitamin A, which supports immunity, vision, and skin health, and vitamin K, which is good for your bones.
Tomatoes also provide potassium, which is a key nutrient for heart function, muscle contraction, and maintaining healthy blood pressure and fluid balance.
- They protect heart health.
Tomatoes contain an antioxidant called lycopene (which also gives them their red color). Studies have shown that higher levels of lycopene in the blood are associated with lower mortality in people with metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors that increase the chance of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
- They support healthy vision.
Lycopene is also good for your eyes. These aren't the only nutrients that protect the chirp red grape tomatoes . It also contains lutein and beta-carotene. These nutrients support vision and prevent eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration
- They promote digestive health.
If you are prone to constipation, the fluids and fiber in tomatoes may help. (According to the USDA, one large tomato contains 6 ounces of fluid and 1.5 grams of fiber.) Know that the acidity of cooked tomatoes may worsen acid reflux and indigestion in some people.
- May help stave off complications of diabetes.
Tomatoes may be a protective food for people with type 2 diabetes. In one study, people with diabetes who ate cooked tomatoes for 30 days had lower lipid peroxidation (a chain reaction in which substances called free radicals attack fats, causing damage that increases of the risk of heart disease).
- Contribute to healthy skin.
Studies have found that the combination of ketchup and olive oil protects against sun damage and boosts the production of procollagen, a molecule that gives structure and keeps skin firm. Scientists think the lycopene in tomatoes is key: It's abundant in cooked tomatoes and tomato puree (and olive oil enhances its absorption from the digestive system into the bloodstream).
- May help prevent cancer.
Observational studies have found a link between consumption of the star compound lycopene in tomatoes and lower rates of prostate, ovarian, lung and stomach cancer.
Tomato bulk
There was a time when Americans wouldn't even touch a tomato, let alone eat one but now many of the wholesalers of food products are supplying it in bulk. For more than two centuries, the plant, classified as a fruit and called botanical law, was considered poisonous. One reason is the kinship between the deadly nightshade family. However, tomatoes have adorned the dinner table of people in South America, Central America, and Mexico since BC. In fact, the word tomato comes from the Aztec word "tomatl". Fast forward to today and tomatoes have changed dramatically in terms of popularity. In fact, yellow grape tomatoes are second only to packaged salads in total vegetable sales, according to FreshFacts on Retail Year in Review 2017 by the Washington, DC-based United Fresh Produce Association.
Additionally, tomatoes are the second most consumed vegetable in the United States after potatoes, according to a March 2017 tomato report by the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AMRC) in Ames, Iowa. Scott Olson, Vice President of Products and Flowers at Grocery Outlet, Inc. 270, a privately-owned, privately-owned supermarket chain in Emeryville, West: "Tomatoes are a very important category for us." In five states and Pennsylvania. Tomatoes were the sixth largest dollar contributor in 2017, making up 6% of total product sales. Florida and California are the largest tomato growing states, accounting for three-quarters of all fresh commercially produced tomatoes on the market in the United States, according to AMRC. Last fall, major hurricanes and storms drastically reduced production of field tomatoes in major importing countries such as Florida and Mexico, driving up near-record prices, according to farmers. While weather is affecting and will continue to affect the supply of tomatoes grown in this area, we are seeing more and more outdoor produce being grown in greenhouse facilities. 
This has an impact on marketing, As these shippers have a constant supply of tomatoes. Retail buyers seek security and price regularity through fixed price marketing. Except in a catastrophic situation, more and more shipments people are offering contracts to different customers based on fixed dates and warranty prices.” Greenhouse growers are working to eliminate seasonality in their tomato business. For example, Red Sun Farms, based in Ontario, operates 10 facilities in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, growing everything from Tomato on the Vine (TOV), steaks, Roma, dry grapes , and cherries, to specialty tomato products. “We pride ourselves on delivering quality products year-round with our vertically integrated high-tech greenhouse,” said President Jim Demina. “Our business model allows us to support our customers with promotions 365 days a year.” 
Tomato health benefits
Let’s discuss about the health benefits of tomatoes. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants that fight harmful free radicals in our body that can lead to cancer. Tomatoes contain polyphenols, which are plant compounds that are effective in preventing prostate cancer. Beta-carotene in tomatoes also has anticancer properties. Combat the adverse effects of smoking Smoking can cause lung cancer. Because of their high vitamin A content, including tomatoes and tomato sauce ketchup in your diet plan will help prevent this dangerous disease. 
Nitrosamines are the main carcinogens present in cigarettes. The coumaric and chlorogenic acids found in tomatoes help counteract the harmful effects of these carcinogens. Take care of your heart Eating tomatoes is good for the heart due to the presence of fiber, choline, vitamin C, and potassium. Maintaining a high potassium-sodium ratio can help prevent cardiovascular disease. The fiber content in this vegetable regulates homocysteine levels in the blood. Excessive homocysteine can lead to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Regular intake of tomatoes and tomato powder helps reduce blood triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, which protects us from cardiovascular disease. 
Helps improve vision Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that fights harmful free radicals that can cause damage to our eyes. Therefore, vitamin A helps prevent macular degeneration and night blindness, and improves our vision in general. Good for your skin A lack of vitamin C can be harmful to your skin because it is vulnerable to sunlight, pollution, and smog. Your skin may appear wrinkled, or your skin may have sagging blemishes. Vitamin C prevents the development of these diseases because it promotes the production of collagen, an important component of skin, hair, nails and connective tissue. 
Improve digestive health Tomatoes contain a healthy amount of fiber, which adds bulk to the stool, ensuring its smooth passage through the digestive tract. This prevents constipation and other complications The fiber content helps release gastric and digestive juices and even helps stimulate peristalsis of smooth digestive muscles. This helps regulate bowel movements and prevents diseases such as colorectal cancer. Good for diabetics The effect of tomatoes on diabetes is twofold. People with type 1 diabetes have lower blood sugar levels when they eat high-fiber products like tomato sauce pomi . On the other hand, eating the same vegetables in people with type 2 diabetes led to higher blood sugar, insulin and lipids. 
Reduce high blood pressure Tomatoes contain potassium, which is a vasodilator that reduces pressure in blood vessels and arteries. This helps increase blood circulation and reduces stress on the heart, thereby eliminating the risk of high blood pressure. Helps prevent urinary tract infections Tomatoes have diuretic properties that promote the formation of urine in our body. This helps eliminate toxins as well as excess water, salts and uric acid. This can reduce the incidence of diseases such as urinary tract infections and bladder cancer. Helps prevent gallstones Adding tomatoes to your diet will help prevent gallstones. This is due to the many essential vitamins, minerals and proteins present in this vegetable. 
Tomato side effects
In this part we discuss about the side effects of tomato. The tomato is scientifically known as Solanum Lycopersicon, and it belongs to the nightshade plant. Tomatoes originated in Central and South America. They were first used in food in Mexico and eventually spread around the world. Today, tomatoes are eaten in many ways - raw, cooked and as an ingredient in many dishes, sauces, drinks and salads. While it is generally safe to eat, it can cause complications in some people. Some of the problems that italian tomato sauce can cause include acid reflux, intolerance effects, muscle soreness, and more. 
Even the leaves of tomato plants may not be safe. Large doses can cause vomiting, dizziness, headache, and even death in severe cases. Another major contributor to this dark side of tomatoes is lycopene, a compound that surprisingly brings its benefits as well. Lycopene in tomatoes In most cases, lycopene is safe. But lycopene supplements may not be safe during pregnancy. Lycopene can also worsen symptoms of prostate cancer. 
Patients with stomach ulcers and other stomach problems should use lycopene with caution. The compound may also cause low blood pressure. People who take blood pressure medications should stay away from lycopene. Lycopene also increases the risk of bleeding, and people with bleeding disorders should avoid it. Tomatoes are acidic and may cause heartburn. Tomatoes are rich in malic and citric acid, which can cause the stomach to release too much stomach acid (which causes food to break down). When the volume of acid increases, it is pushed up into the esophagus, causing symptoms. In fact, cooking tomatoes probably won't help much. Tomatoes and haniz tomato ketchup are also listed among many foods that may lead to GERD. 
Tomatoes may also worsen symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) (5). Therefore, it is best to avoid acidic foods like tomatoes to avoid acid reflux symptoms.
- Allergies and infections
Tomato allergy symptoms often appear immediately after eating the fruit. This includes hives, rash, eczema, coughing and sneezing, itchy throat, and swelling of the face, mouth, and tongue. Tomatoes contain a compound called histamine, which may cause some allergic reactions, according to a Polish study. All tomato puree tin can also cause allergic contact dermatitis — your skin becomes very itchy and swollen after you touch the fruit. Tomatoes can also cause itchy lips. Another possible allergic reaction associated with tomatoes is red spots around the eyebrows and eyelids. 
- Kidney problems
According to a report from the US Department of Health and Human Services, people with advanced chronic kidney disease should limit their intake of potassium, mineral rich in tomatoes. People with severe kidney problems may also need to limit their intake of tomatoes because they contain a lot of water. High potassium levels in the blood are one of the causes of kidney disease and can be treated by avoiding tomatoes, ketchup, or anything made from tomatoes. Tomato paste is also high in oxalic acid, which is another reason prone people should avoid it.