Researchers studied over 6,000 adults to see how eating tomatoes at different times of year affects how long people live. They found that eating fresh tomatoes regularly, especially during tomato season, was linked to living longer overall. Interestingly, eating tomatoes during off-season months seemed to protect against heart and brain problems. The study suggests that when you eat tomatoes might matter just as much as eating them at all. These findings could help doctors give better advice about eating healthy foods throughout the year.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether eating tomatoes at different times of year helps people live longer and reduces deaths from heart and brain problems
  • Who participated: 6,260 American adults of various ages and backgrounds who were tracked for up to 10 years as part of a national health survey
  • Key finding: Eating fresh tomatoes regularly, especially 1-7 times per week during tomato season, was linked to a 37-52% lower chance of dying from any cause over 10 years. Eating tomatoes in off-season months was linked to a 57% lower risk of heart and stroke deaths.
  • What it means for you: Adding fresh tomatoes to your diet, especially when they’re in season, may help you live longer. However, this study shows a connection but doesn’t prove tomatoes caused the longer lifespan—other healthy habits may have played a role too.

The Research Details

This was a long-term study that followed real people over time rather than testing them in a lab. Researchers looked at information from 6,260 American adults who answered questions about what they ate, including how often they ate tomatoes. They then tracked whether these people died over the next 10 years and what caused their deaths.

The researchers separated tomato eating into two categories: eating tomatoes during their natural growing season (summer and early fall) versus eating them during off-season months when they’re imported or stored. They also looked at different tomato products like fresh tomatoes, ketchup, and tomato juice to see if they had different effects.

They used special statistical methods to account for other factors that affect how long people live, like age, exercise, smoking, and other foods they ate. This helps them figure out if tomatoes themselves were making a difference.

This approach is important because it looks at real people eating real food in their normal lives, not people in a lab eating controlled amounts. By tracking people over 10 years, researchers could see actual health outcomes rather than just measuring chemicals in the blood. Looking at seasonal differences is new and practical—it reflects how people actually eat throughout the year.

This study used data from a well-respected national health survey, which is a strength. However, the study only shows that tomato eating and longer life are connected—it doesn’t prove tomatoes caused people to live longer. People who eat more tomatoes might also exercise more, not smoke, or have other healthy habits. The study also relied on people remembering what they ate, which can be inaccurate.

What the Results Show

Fresh tomato consumption showed the strongest benefit. People who ate fresh tomatoes had about a 37% lower chance of dying from any cause compared to those who ate little or no tomatoes. When researchers looked at how often people ate tomatoes, they found that eating them 1-7 times per week during tomato season was even better—cutting the risk of death by about 52%.

Interestingly, the benefits were different depending on the season. During tomato-growing season, the main benefit was living longer overall. During off-season months, eating tomatoes seemed to specifically protect against heart attacks and strokes, reducing that risk by about 57%.

Ketchup showed modest benefits when eaten in small amounts (less than once per day), helping with both overall lifespan and heart health. However, tomato juice didn’t show clear benefits, and eating very large amounts of tomato products daily didn’t help and might have even been harmful.

The study also measured lycopene, a red pigment in tomatoes that acts as an antioxidant (a substance that protects cells from damage). Higher levels of lycopene in the blood were connected with lower death rates from all causes and from heart and brain problems. This suggests that lycopene might be one reason why tomatoes are helpful, though it’s not the only beneficial substance in tomatoes.

Earlier research has shown that tomatoes are good for heart health, but most studies didn’t look at whether eating them at different times of year made a difference. This study adds new information by showing that seasonal timing might matter. The findings about lycopene match previous research showing this compound has protective effects.

The biggest limitation is that this study shows a connection between eating tomatoes and living longer, but it can’t prove tomatoes caused the longer lifespan. People who eat more fresh tomatoes might also be healthier in other ways. The study relied on people remembering what they ate, which is often inaccurate. Also, the study was done in the United States, so results might be different in other countries with different tomato varieties or growing seasons. Finally, the study couldn’t explain exactly why off-season tomatoes seemed to protect against heart problems while in-season tomatoes helped overall lifespan.

The Bottom Line

Eat fresh tomatoes regularly, especially during summer and early fall when they’re in season—aim for 1-7 times per week if possible (moderate confidence). Include tomatoes in your diet year-round, as off-season tomatoes may also provide benefits (moderate confidence). Use small amounts of ketchup as a tomato source if fresh tomatoes aren’t available (low to moderate confidence). Avoid very high daily consumption of tomato products (low confidence). These recommendations should be part of an overall healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits.

Anyone interested in living longer and reducing their risk of heart disease and stroke should consider eating more tomatoes. This is especially relevant for people with family histories of heart disease or stroke. However, people with certain medical conditions, such as those taking blood thinners or with kidney problems, should talk to their doctor before significantly increasing tomato consumption. This research applies to adults; more research is needed for children.

The study tracked people for 10 years, so benefits likely develop over months and years of regular eating, not days or weeks. You probably won’t notice immediate changes, but consistent tomato consumption over time may reduce your long-term health risks.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track tomato consumption frequency by logging each time you eat fresh tomatoes, ketchup, or tomato-based meals. Record whether it’s in-season (summer/early fall) or off-season, and note the amount (e.g., ‘one medium tomato,’ ‘one serving of ketchup’). Aim to see a pattern of 1-7 servings per week.
  • Set a weekly goal to eat fresh tomatoes at least 2-3 times per week during growing season, and maintain tomato consumption year-round through off-season options like canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, or ketchup in moderate amounts. Use the app to remind you to add tomatoes to meals and track your progress toward this goal.
  • Monitor your tomato intake monthly and look for seasonal patterns. Track whether you’re maintaining consistent consumption year-round. Over 6-12 months, you can assess whether increasing tomato consumption correlates with improvements in energy levels, digestion, or other health markers you’re tracking. Share this data with your doctor at annual checkups.

This research shows a connection between eating tomatoes and living longer, but does not prove that tomatoes directly cause longer life. Individual results vary based on overall lifestyle, genetics, and other health factors. This information is not medical advice. People with kidney disease, those taking blood thinners, or those with other medical conditions should consult their healthcare provider before significantly increasing tomato consumption. Always discuss major dietary changes with your doctor, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions. This study was conducted in the United States and may not apply to all populations.