Fresh tomatoes are one of the highlights of the summer season. There are literally thousands of varieties to choose from – each with its own distinct taste, shape, color, and size.
The classification of tomatoes is something that’s been hotly debated for centuries. Should a tomato be considered a fruit or a vegetable? Well, it depends on how you slice it.
Botanically, the tomato is a fruit. But legally, it’s not. In 1893 the Supreme Court ruled in Nix v. Hedden that the tomato should be classified as a vegetable rather than a fruit for purposes of tariffs, imports, and customs.
At the time of the case, fruits and vegetables were taxed differently. Imported vegetables were slapped with a 10-percent tariff upon their arrival in the United States while imported fruits were not.
Ultimately, the court ruled that people eat tomatoes like vegetables and so they should be taxed as such.
What Makes Tomatoes a Superfood?
Fruit or vegetable, tomatoes are bursting with flavor and nutrients. Tomatoes contain an abundance of minerals and vitamins that are good for your body.
Tomatoes Contain High Amounts of Vitamin C.
This important vitamin strengthens your immune system and helps protect your body from infection.
Tomatoes Are Full of Lycopene.
Lycopene is the pigment principally responsible for the characteristic deep-red color of ripe tomatoes.
The health-promoting compound also fights the free radicals that are damaging our cells. Free radicals can potentially lead to heart disease and premature aging and even contribute to some types of cancers.
The Benefits of Lycopene
- Protects the skin from excessive UV radiation
- Protects the body from harmful substances (Neutralizes free radicals)
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Decreases the risk of osteoporosis
- Contributes to a more peaceful and healthy sleep
- Lowers the risk of developing several types of cancer
Additionally, tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins…
- Vitamin A promotes vision and a healthy immune system.
- Vitamin K helps wounds heal and blood clot properly.
- Vitamin E helps protect against free radicals.
- Vitamins B1, B2, and B6 help the enzymes in our bodies do their jobs and are important for a wide range of cellular functions, like breaking down carbohydrates and transporting nutrients throughout the body.
Tomatoes are also very low in calories and full of fiber which can support digestion and can help regulate blood sugar.
10 Easy Ways to Eat More Tomatoes
- Add them to a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Scramble them into eggs.
- Top your salad with diced tomatoes.
- Add cherry tomatoes to a shishkabob.
- Put a grape tomato on a toothpick with a mozzarella pearl and a little olive oil for an easy appetizer.
- Try a tomato, mozzarella, and pesto sandwich.
- Top a bagel with melted cheese and a sliced tomato.
- Make couscous with shrimp, feta, and tomato.
- Add tomatoes to a frittata or quiche.
- Sprinkle a little salt and pepper and eat them fresh!
Senior Star + Superfoods
Your local Senior Star community has all kinds of creative ways to learn more about this month’s superfood.
Perhaps you’d like to check out a cooking demonstration or unwind at one of our Mixology Experiences.
Contact your Senior Star location to find out what’s available in your local community and how to participate. You can also reach out for monthly recipes and other fun ideas.
Download our Guide to Aging Well: Secrets to Successful Aging from “Blue Zones” Around The World. Questions about senior living? Contact us to learn more.