The fluid and fiber in tomatoes may be helpful if you’re prone to constipation. (According to the USDA, one large tomato contains 6 ounces of fluid and 1.5 grams of fiber.) Just be aware that in some people, the acidity from cooked tomatoes may trigger or worsen acid reflux and indigestion.

They may help fend off diabetes complications.

Tomatoes may be a protective food for people with type 2 diabetes. In one study, people with diabetes who supplemented with cooked tomatoes for 30 days experienced a decrease in lipid peroxidation (a chain reaction in which substances called free radicals attack fat, leading to damage that ups the risk of heart disease).

They can contribute to skin health.

Research has found that the combination of tomato paste and olive oil protects against sun damage and boosts the production of pro-collagen, a molecule that gives the skin its structure and keeps it firm. Scientists believe that the lycopene in tomatoes is key: it’s at its highest concentration in cooked tomatoes (while olive oil boosts its absorption from your digestive system into your bloodstream).

They may help protect against cancer.

Observational studies have found links between consumption of tomato’s superstar compound, lycopene, and fewer incidences of prostate, ovarian, lung and stomach cancers. What’s not to love?

(Health delivers relevant information in clear, jargon-free language that puts health into context in peoples’ lives. Online at www.health.com.)