Tomatoes for Health

Lycopene is known to protect against breast cancer and research has also shown that men eating around eight tomatoes a day have a much lower incidence of prostate cancer, which is now as common in men as breast cancer is in women. Tomatoes are, furthermore, rich in the protective antioxidant betacarotene, which the body turns into life-prolonging vitamin A, and they have vitamins C and E, essential for a healthy heart, circulation and immune system. The low levels of sodium and high levels of potassium in tomatoes means that they aid in the prevention of high blood pressure and fluid retention.

Tomatoes are part of the 'Mediterranean Diet' and play a vital role in the way this healthy style of eating helps the population of southern Europe to lead longer and healthier lives. In South America they believe that tomatoes are an aphrodisiac and, while there's no scientific proof to support this belief, they do contain substantial amounts of vitamin E, which is important for fertility, so it must be worth a try. Fortunately, we're now much more adventurous in the way we combine aromatic herbs with tomatoes - another tip from our Mediterranean neighbours. And the herbs aren't just there for taste alone. The traditional addition of fresh basil leaves to raw tomatoes creates a simple salad which not only tastes good and smells good, but also makes you feel good, since the essential oils in basil act as powerful mood enhancers.

So come on everyone – eat more tomatoes and stay healthy. You may have to buy supermarket tomatoes at this time of year – but try your nearest Farmers’ Market. We have a Farmers' market once a month in Steyning and a stall there sells delicious tomatoes all year round. They come from the Isle of Wight so must be grown under glass – nevertheless they are better than the supermarket variety flown in from sunnier climes.

My favourite tomato dish is a sliced beefsteak tomato, layered with slices of goat’s cheese, a twist of pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Scrumptious.