Although they are technically a fruit, many doctors recommend tomatoes as part of a healthy, diabetes-friendly diet. These red ‘veggies’ provide plenty of vitamins, minerals, and other benefits for those with metabolic disease.

Don’t believe me? Read on!

#1 Tomatoes Are Non-Starchy Veggies

It’s important to cut down on starchy veggies. The starches can be converted into sugars in your body. Add a few tomatoes to your meal to help take the place of other starchy veggies. They taste great and are useful for a variety of sauces.

#2 They are Full Of Vitamin C

Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, so it’s essential to eat well to protect your heart too. Tomatoes contain lots of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that is beneficial to your cardiovascular health. This vitamin helps small blood vessels dilate, allowing better circulation throughout the body.

#3 They Also Contain Lycopene

This is a uniquely shaped antioxidant that may be able to affect free radicals in ways that other antioxidants cannot. Lycopene is also linked to reducing the risks of strokes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. It may also help to prevent macular degeneration.

#4 May Reduce the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer

According to WebMD, a study out of The University of Montreal found that lycopene from tomatoes reduced the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by up to 31%. This is important because long-term diabetics are at an increased risk of developing this cancer. The onset of diabetes can also be a symptom of pancreatic cancer in people over 50 years old.

#5 They Are Part of the Mediterranean Diet

Tomatoes make up a big part of the very healthy low-carb Mediterranean diet. If you are looking to change the way you eat, you may want to try switching to this meal plan, which is also rich in good fats and other veggies.