While walking through the grocery store today, I noticed an abundance of tomatoes all around me and this makes sense because tomato season in the U.S. is from June until September. I think they can easily elevate any dish, as well as being quite nutritious! Here are some important reasons to add them to your diet.

1. Lycopene
   This is an antioxidant said to help prevent the damage of cells. According to the National Cancer Institute₁, studies show the intake of lycopene aids in preventing cardiovascular disease. As a matter of fact, lycopene has the ability to diminish the synthesis of cholesterol. Surprisingly, lycopene gives tomatoes the red color everyone knows so well.
2. Fiber
   Just one medium tomato has 1.5 grams of fiber, which is about 6% of the recommended daily amount we need. Fiber is such an incremental part of our diet because it helps lower cholesterol and helps us stay full longer according to Mayo Clinic₂. Just adding a few tomatoes to your dish can help you stave off hunger a little more.
3. Potassium
   A serving size of tomatoes has 292 mg of potassium, which is beneficial because potassium has been known to lower high blood pressure. Also, potassium is essential for regular muscle contraction and is necessary for heart function.
4. Vitamin C
   When everyone starts getting sick, vitamin c seems to be the first thing everyone grabs because it has been linked to increasing immune function. On the other hand, Vitamin C is used to produce collagen and in turn helps repair tissues in the body.
5. Vitamin k
   Vitamin K is another vitamin prevalent in tomatoes, accounting for 16% of daily value. Vitamin K is said to increase the density of bone and even help prevent fractures₃.

Roasted Tomatoes

Tossing tomatoes onto a baking sheet is probably the easiest way to cook them. All you have to do is get some fresh organic cherry tomatoes, halve them, drizzle them in olive oil, add sea salt, garlic, and thyme. Finally, just put them in a 400 degree oven for 40 minutes! Then you have an effortless side dish for any meal.

References:
1-National Cancer Institute
2-Mayo Clinic
3-National Center for Biotechnology Information