Are Tomatoes Good or Bad for Health? What the Evidence Actually Shows
Tomatoes occupy a peculiar position in nutrition debates. They are simultaneously a fruit (botanically) and a vegetable (culinarily), a nightshade with a complicated reputation, and one of the most consumed foods in the world. Depending on which corner of the internet you consult, tomatoes are either a superfood loaded with cancer-fighting antioxidants or a problematic nightshade that causes inflammation, joint pain, and digestive distress. The actual evidence is more nuanced than either camp suggests — and considerably more interesting. What Tomatoes Actually Contain Before evaluating claims about tomatoes, it helps to know what you're working with nutritionally. A medium raw tomato (about 123 grams) provides roughly 22 calories, 1.5 grams of protein, 4.8 grams of carbohydrates, and 1.5 grams of fiber. It's not a macronutrient powerhouse — tomatoes are mostly water. What makes them nutritionally interesting is their micronutrient and phytochemical profile. Tomatoes are a...