These findings are consistent with other studies that have reported a low incidence of prostate cancer in southern Mediterranean countries, including Italy and Greece, where tomato consumption is high. In these countries tomatoes are often eaten with olive oil in sauces. Fat aids the digestion of lycopene. A freshly cooked tomato sauce with olive oil and garlic is one of the healthiest things you can eat. A pizza with tomato and mozzarella is fattening, but it does yield considerable benefits, especially if you add plenty of fresh, lightly cooked vegetables.
Tomatoes are good for everyone in a number of ways.
Lycopene is one of the chief anti-oxidants thought to counter heart disease. Eating plenty of tomatoes has been found to lower the risk of digestive tract cancers. Studies indicate that lycopene protects against cancer of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, stomach, colon, rectum and cervix. Tomatoes have no cholesterol and no saturated fat. They're also a good source of fibre and a medium tomato contains 360 milligrams of potassium.