Tomatoes, a staple food in many households, are not just a tasty ingredient in many recipes, but they are also a healthy one. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and have anti-cancer properties.

Antioxidants are substances that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells, and their accumulation can lead to chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and other types of illnesses.

In this article, we’ll explore how to maximize the antioxidants and anti-cancer properties of tomatoes to ensure that you get the most health benefits from this fruit.

1. Choose Ripe Tomatoes

One of the easiest ways to maximize the antioxidants and anti-cancer properties in tomatoes is to choose ripe ones. Ripe tomatoes tend to have a higher concentration of lycopene, a potent antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer.

In addition to lycopene, ripe tomatoes have more vitamin C and beta-carotene than unripe tomatoes.

2. Cook Tomatoes

Cooking tomatoes can actually increase their antioxidant content. The heat from cooking breaks down the cell walls in tomatoes, which can release more lycopene and other antioxidants.

However, cooking tomatoes for too long can destroy some of their beneficial properties. To get the most out of your tomatoes, cook them for a short time or eat them raw.

3. Add Healthy Fats

Tomatoes are a great source of antioxidants, but they need a little help to be fully absorbed by the body. Antioxidants are fat-soluble, which means they need fat to be properly absorbed.

Adding a healthy fat, such as olive oil, avocado, or nuts, to your tomato dish can increase the absorption of antioxidants. This is one of the reasons why the Mediterranean diet, which is high in healthy fats like olive oil, has been proven to have many health benefits.

4. Eat Whole Tomatoes

Eating whole tomatoes, including their skin and seeds, can also increase your intake of antioxidants. The skin of the tomato contains flavonoids, which are plant-based compounds that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties.

The seeds of the tomato contain lycopene, so eating the entire tomato is the best way to get the most benefits.

5. Use Organic Tomatoes

Organic tomatoes are grown without the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. These chemicals can have a negative impact on the nutritional value of the tomato and can reduce the amount of antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients.

Choosing organic tomatoes can ensure that you get all of the health benefits without any harmful chemicals.

6. Eat Tomatoes with Other Healthy Foods

Eating tomatoes with other healthy foods can also increase their absorption in the body.

Foods like broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables contain a compound called sulforaphane, which has been shown to increase the activity of enzymes that help the body absorb and utilize antioxidants like lycopene. Adding these foods to your tomato dish can increase the health benefits.

7. Drink Tomato Juice

Drinking tomato juice is another way to get all of the health benefits of this superfood. Tomato juice contains all of the same antioxidants and nutrients as whole tomatoes, but without the fiber.

The lack of fiber can actually increase the absorption of lycopene and other antioxidants, making tomato juice a great choice for anyone looking to maximize their health benefits.

8. Store Tomatoes Properly

Storing tomatoes properly can ensure that they retain their nutritional value. Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

Storing tomatoes in the fridge can cause them to become mealy and lose some of their beneficial nutrients.

9. Try Different Varieties of Tomatoes

There are many different varieties of tomatoes, and they all have slightly different nutritional profiles. Trying different types of tomatoes can ensure that you get all of the different antioxidants and nutrients that they have to offer.

Some varieties, like cherry tomatoes, have been shown to have higher levels of antioxidants than larger varieties.

10. Keep Tomatoes in Your Regular Diet

Finally, the most important way to maximize the antioxidants and anti-cancer properties in tomatoes is to eat them regularly.

Incorporating tomatoes into your regular diet can provide you with a consistent source of antioxidants and nutrients that can help protect your cells from damage. Try adding some tomatoes to your morning omelet, salad at lunch, or pasta dishes at dinner to get all the health benefits.