TOMATO: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a commonly eaten fruit that grows on a vine. It contains many nutrients, including an antioxidant called lycopene.

The lycopene in tomato is thought to play a role in preventing cancer. It's easier for the body to use lycopene that comes from tomato products, such as tomato paste or tomato juice, than from fresh tomatoes.

People use tomato for cancer prevention, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse tomato with lycopene, the antioxidant found in tomatoes.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Bladder cancer. Eating more tomato products does not seem to decrease the risk of bladder cancer.
  • Breast cancer. Eating more tomato products does not seem to decrease the risk of breast cancer.
  • Diabetes. Eating more tomato products does not seem to decrease the risk of diabetes. It also doesn't seem to reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

There is interest in using tomato for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Tomatoes are commonly consumed in foods. A specific tomato extract (Lyc-O-Mato) is possibly safe when used for up to eight weeks. But large amounts of tomato leaf or green tomatoes are possibly unsafe. In large amounts, tomato leaves or green tomatoes can cause poisoning, potentially leading to serious side effects and death.

There isn't enough reliable information to know if tomato vine is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Tomatoes are commonly consumed in foods. A specific tomato extract (Lyc-O-Mato) is possibly safe when used for up to eight weeks. But large amounts of tomato leaf or green tomatoes are possibly unsafe. In large amounts, tomato leaves or green tomatoes can cause poisoning, potentially leading to serious side effects and death.

There isn't enough reliable information to know if tomato vine is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Tomato fruit is commonly consumed in foods while pregnant and breast-feeding. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if tomato extract is safe or what the side effects might be. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for TOMATO overview.

Dosing

The tomato fruit is commonly consumed in foods.

As medicine, tomato extracts have most often been used based on their lycopene content. Typical doses for adults are 15-30 mg of lycopene by mouth daily for up to 8 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

TOMATO: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

What is the side effect of tomatoes? ›

Due to their acidic nature, too much consumption of tomatoes might cause acid reflux. Tomatoes not grown organically might have the high levels of pesticide residue. Tomatoes contain potassium and high potassium levels in blood can impair kidney function. So it is advisable to consume tomatoes in moderation.

What are the medical uses of tomatoes? ›

Studies suggest that they may ease inflammation, boost your immune system, lower your cholesterol levels, and keep your blood from clotting. All those things may help prevent strokes.

What are 5 uses of tomato plants? ›

People use tomato for cancer prevention, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse tomato with lycopene, the antioxidant found in tomatoes.

What are the pros and cons of eating tomatoes? ›

Tomatoes are a nutritious fruit, with most of their health benefits derived from antioxidants such as lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. While tomato allergies are rare, some people may not be able to tolerate them because of sensitivities or acid reflux.

Why shouldn't you eat tomatoes everyday? ›

A. Eating too many tomatoes could lead to large amounts of Lycopene building up in your system. Although Lycopene isn't harmful and is generally safe, excessive consumption can eventually cause skin discolouration, digestive troubles, body aches, and acid reflux.

What do tomatoes do to your gut? ›

Benefits of Eating Tomatoes for Gut Bacteria:

There are several benefits of eating tomatoes for gut bacteria. Tomatoes contain compounds that encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut microbiome which can help to protect against pathogens and keep your digestive system functioning properly.

What do tomatoes do to our body? ›

Tomatoes are juicy and sweet, full of antioxidants, and may help fight several diseases. They are especially high in lycopene, a plant compound linked to improved heart health, cancer prevention, and protection against sunburns. Tomatoes can be a valuable part of a healthy diet.

Does tomato interact with any medications? ›

If you take blood pressure-lowering ACE inhibitors with potassium-rich foods, including bananas, avocados, tomatoes and dried apricots, you can get high potassium levels in your body, which can lead to potentially dangerous heart arrhythmias, Brown warns.

What is the healthiest way to eat tomatoes? ›

Steaming or boiling tomatoes is the preferred method of cooking to bring out more lycopene for optimal nutrition. Research indicates lycopene reduces the risk of cancer, improves heart health and enhances neurological response.

Can I rub tomatoes on my face every day? ›

If you wish to have a bright glowing skin without spending big bucks at the salon, then rubbing tomato on face everyday should do the trick. Vitamins C, E and the beta-carotene content in tomatoes helps reveal the natural complexion of the skin and brightens it even further.

How many tomatoes should I eat a day? ›

The acidic substances and cellulose in tomatoes can stimulate gastric acid secretion, promote gastrointestinal motility, and help digestion, but you should not eat too much tomatoes. Eating 1 to 2 tomatoes a day, about 50-100 grams of raw tomatoes, can meet the human body's needs for vitamins, plant fiber and minerals.

Are tomatoes good for your liver? ›

Not only raw tomatoes but also cooked or processed tomato products such as ketchup, sauce, and paste, are counted as good sources of cancer prevention. Tomato is also good for liver health. Tomato has detoxification effect in the body.

What are the uses of tomatoes in medicine? ›

Tomato is used for preventing cancer of the breast, bladder, cervix, colon and rectum, stomach, lung, ovaries, pancreas, and prostate. It is also used to prevent diabetes, diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease), cataracts, and asthma.

Is it better to eat tomatoes raw or cooked? ›

Key Takeaways. Tomatoes are low-calorie and nutrient-dense, making them an important part of a balanced diet. Raw tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, which brightens skin and fights inflammation while cooking tomatoes releases more antioxidants such as lycopene, which may protect against cancer.

What does eating tomatoes do to your body? ›

The bottom line

Tomatoes are juicy and sweet, full of antioxidants, and may help fight several diseases. They are especially high in lycopene, a plant compound linked to improved heart health, cancer prevention, and protection against sunburns. Tomatoes can be a valuable part of a healthy diet.

Are tomatoes good or bad for your heart? ›

Tomatoes are high in lycopene that has been shown to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and blood pressure. They are also high in vitamin C and potassium. Consuming tomatoes along with a fat source like avocados or olive oil increases the absorption of its antioxidants, giving you the most bang for your buck.

How many tomatoes is it safe to eat in a day? ›

While there is little research on the maximum number of tomatoes you can eat in a day. Scientists say ideally one serving of tomatoes comprises either one whole regular tomato or six cherry tomatoes. So enjoy your tomatoes but spread out your intake throughout the week!

What are the side effects of lycopene? ›

Lycopene usually is not toxic. It is commonly found in most of our diets. In rare cases, a Lycopene-high diet can lead to excess Lycopene in the blood and consequent skin discoloration known as lycopenodermia. You can revert this skin coloration by consuming a diet less rich in Lycopene.

References

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