Tomatoes: An Ancient Food with a Modern Take

Tomatoes: A Journey From Ancient South America to Your Plate
Chain Ruei20Huang RD

Medical reviewed by Chain-Ruei Huang, RD

Eating-related behavior therapy, preventative nutrition, public health nutrition

Table of Contents

Transcript

  • 00:00 Tomatoes have been around for centuries, originally coming from South America. They were first cultivated by the Incas and Aztecs, who used them to make sauces and soups.

    Today, tomatoes are essential for a healthy diet. They offer us vitamins, minerals, fiber, lycopene, and antioxidants. These helpful substances can help fight inflammation, protect us from free radical damage, and keep our hearts healthy. Enjoy them raw in salads or cooked into soups, pizzas, and sandwiches.

    Back in 1893, the U.S. Supreme Court had to make a call on a case about a tomato importer. He argued that tomatoes should be classified as fruits rather than vegetables, so he could get away with paying less in tariffs.

    The court ruled that tomatoes should be classified as vegetables. It’s based on their culinary uses rather than their botanical classification as fruits.

    Although tomatoes are a type of fruit, they are still often considered vegetables in many parts of the world. Whether you classify them as fruit or a vegetable, tomatoes are packed with all kinds of good stuff for your body.

Tomatoes have been around for centuries, originally coming from South America. They were first cultivated by the Incas and Aztecs, who used them to make sauces and soups.

Find out more about healthy ingredients like tomatoes in our article.

From Aztecs to Salads: The Timeless Tomato Story

Today, tomatoes are essential for a healthy diet. They offer us vitamins, minerals, fiber, lycopene, and antioxidants. These helpful substances can help fight inflammation, protect us from free radical damage, and keep our hearts healthy. Enjoy them raw in salads or cooked into soups, pizzas, and sandwiches.

Back in 1893, the U.S. Supreme Court had to make a call on a case about a tomato importer. He argued that tomatoes should be classified as fruits rather than vegetables, so he could get away with paying less in tariffs.

The court ruled that tomatoes should be classified as vegetables. It’s based on their culinary uses rather than their botanical classification as fruits.

Although tomatoes are a type of fruit, they are still often considered vegetables in many parts of the world. Whether you classify them as fruit or a vegetable, tomatoes are packed with all kinds of good stuff for your body.

Summary

Tomatoes are a nutritious food with vitamins, minerals, fiber, lycopene, and antioxidants. They can help fight inflammation, protect against free radical damage, and promote heart health. Despite being fruits, they are often considered vegetables due to their culinary use.

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Chain Ruei20Huang RD

Medical reviewed by Chain-Ruei Huang, RD

Eating-related behavior therapy, preventative nutrition, public health nutrition

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