Tomatoes can have beneficial effects on the body, but viral headlines often exaggerate what the studies actually show.
The main compound of interest is lycopene, a carotenoid antioxidant found in tomatoes. Research suggests that tomato or lycopene consumption may modestly improve some cardiovascular measures, particularly blood pressure. A 2026 umbrella review found evidence of a blood-pressure benefit, although effects on cholesterol were inconsistent.
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Possible effects associated with tomato consumption include:
Heart health: Some studies suggest improved cardiovascular risk factors, although results across trials aren’t completely consistent.
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Blood pressure: Certain tomato preparations and lycopene supplements have produced modest reductions in systolic blood pressure in clinical trials.
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Antioxidant activity: Lycopene may help reduce oxidative stress, although this doesn’t mean tomatoes “detox” the body.
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Possible long-term disease associations: Observational research has linked higher tomato/lycopene intake with lower risks of some diseases, but these associations don’t prove that tomatoes prevent or cure those diseases.
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For most people, tomatoes are a nutritious food rather than a medicine. If you have advanced kidney disease or have been told to restrict potassium, however, your tomato intake may need to be discussed with your healthcare professional.
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