11. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are high in lycopene, a carotenoid that has been linked to lower inflammation and better cardiovascular health. Tomatoes also contain vitamin C and potassium, as well as B vitamins such as riboflavin and niacin. Plus, they’re rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene—the same one that makes carrots orange!
Tomatoes can help with weight loss thanks to their low-calorie count (just 22 calories per medium tomato), but the more important benefit is their fiber content. One medium whole tomato contains about 4 grams of fiber—about half your daily requirement for women or 40 percent for men—which helps keep you full longer by slowing down digestion.
Tomatoes are a great addition to any meal, and they’re also the perfect snack. They have a lot of nutrients, so you can eat them by themselves or add them to other foods. Here are some ideas for how to eat tomatoes:
- On sandwiches
- On salads
- In soups and stews
- With scrambled eggs
- With pasta dishes
