According to Some Studies, Tomatoes May Do More for Your Body Than Most People Realize

The Compound That Makes Tomatoes Stand Out

Tomatoes are so ordinary that people rarely think of them as functional foods. But that familiarity hides something important: they contain compounds researchers have studied closely for years.

One of the most discussed is lycopene, the antioxidant responsible for much of their red color. Lycopene has drawn attention because of its role in helping the body respond to oxidative stress over time.

Why Cooked Tomatoes Are Especially Interesting

Many people assume raw is always better, but tomatoes are a useful exception to that oversimplified rule. Lycopene becomes easier for the body to absorb when tomatoes are cooked, especially in sauces or slow-cooked dishes.

That means tomato sauce is not nutritionally lesser simply because it is not raw. In some ways, it offers a different advantage.