Growing Tomatoes

Why are Tomatoes Beneficial to our Health?

Cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease, stroke and blood vessel disease) is the single leading cause of death in New Zealand. It causes 40% of all deaths annually in our country - approximately 10,500 people each year. It is the leading cause of death for both men and women in this country, much of which is premature and preventable. Tomatoes are one of the most versatile food ingredients.

Some therapeutic properties of tomatoes:

Tomatoes have a substantial amount of antioxidants. They also have notable amounts of vitamin E, rather less vitamin C and small amount of beta-carotene. People who eat more of foods rich in these antioxidants have been shown to have lower levels of several forms of cancer, as well as of heart disease, stroke and cataracts.

Tomatoes are good source of the flavonoid substance quercetin, plus a large amount of a carotene called lycopene. Both are being investigated for their potential protective effects.


I'm part of a tomato challenge - plants must be selected and planted by today, with judging for the biggest tom on Feb 1, 2009.

The selected plants are the Hearty Red - available from Mitre-10 Garden Centres.

Mitre-10 dontate 50c from each sale to the New Zealand Heart Foundation.

Will be a good challenge.

Tomato growing notes...