Tomato has immense health benefits as one serving contains potassium, vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and other valuable nutrients. Tomato though botanically a fruit, is categorized as a vegetable. Tomato sauce or tomato ketchup is made from fresh tomatoes. There are two types of tomato sauce - one that is used as a cooking ingredient and the other served with noodles, meat or pasta. But, is it healthier to eat fresh tomatoes or have tomato sauce?

The health benefits of tomatoes include:

• It scores very low on the glycemic index
• The chromium in the vegetable regulates blood sugar. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C that helps with insulin and glucose balance. Regular intake of tomatoes can reduce the risk of diabetes.
• It contains vitamin K, calcium, and lycopene that strengthen the bones.
• Lycopene is responsible for the rich red color of the tomato. This antioxidant reduces cell damage. Studies reveal that it can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. 
• Beta carotene and lycopene protects skin from UV damage
• Vitamin A prevents night blindness and reduces macular degeneration
• It reduces the risk of kidney stones and gallstones
• Potassium and vitamin B lowers blood pressure and lycopene controls cholesterol and triglyceride scores reducing the risk of atherosclerosis

Lycopene is the magic ingredient in the tomato that offers a host of health benefits. Studies have gone to prove that lycopene levels in blood increased after consumption of cooked tomatoes, rather than eating it raw or drinking tomato juice. It goes to prove that tomato sauce or tomato puree is readily absorbed by the body than fresh tomatoes. Consuming tomatoes sautéed in oil or fat can aid in more absorption of lycopene in the intestine. 

Tomato juice balances the alkaline levels in the bloodstream and provides resistance against diseases. The juice is rich in potassium and iron. Half-ripe tomatoes can control dyspepsia, dysentery, and diarrhea, as it stimulates torpid liver. It can also provide relief from liver problems.

Half-ripe tomatoes taken during summers can help prevent heat stroke. Fresh tomatoes can reduce heartburn, indigestion, and flatulence. Tomato has uric acid lowering effect and experts recommend tomatoes to gallbladder patients, despite the content of purine and oxalic acid in it.

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health who studied 39,000 women who followed Mediterranean diet concluded that these women had lower risks of cancer and heart disease. This was attributed to the consumption of olive oil and tomato-based products. It was noted that tomato sauce particularly reduced the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Another study from Marseille, France reveals that the tomato peels included in the tomato sauce or paste had a high concentration of carotenoids that increases the health benefits.

Tomatoes, whether taken half-ripe, fresh, or in the form of sauce, puree, juice or ketchup, the benefits of tomato are immense, which goes to prove that it is an indispensable ingredient in many types of food across the globe.