Purple Tomatoes: Uncovering the Science-Based Health Benefits
By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
We all recognize the value of a diverse diet that is rich in nutrients. One interesting way to include the essential nutrients in our diet is by adding natural ingredients of different colours to it! This can be done through various unique fruits and vegetables that may be added to the diet.
Ever heard of purple tomatoes? They’re catching the eye of health seekers and gardeners alike. But what are purple tomatoes? Do they fit well in your normal meal plan? Let’s explore the world of these brightly coloured fruits! We’ll dive into their history, types, potential health benefits, risks and info on genetically modified foods (GMFs). Ready to start?
Do the words “purple” and “tomato” seem strange in the same line? If purple tomatoes are new to you, before we dig deep, let’s first define them. Let’s also get to know some common types out there.
Purple tomatoes are tomatoes that have a purple shade on their skin or flesh. The dark tint comes from anthocyanins, which are plant pigments present in other red, blue, and purple-hued foods like eggplants and blueberries. The purple shade can vary. Some are deep, dark purple, almost black, others are soft lavender or striped. Besides their bold colours, these tomatoes are known for their possible health perks, again due to anthocyanin, which is a potential antioxidant!
Did you know ?
Looking for popular purple tomato varieties? You might find them in your local market, seed catalogues, or even in your backyard. Below are some types of purple tomatoes:
These come in different sizes, shapes, tastes, and growth habits, but all have a unique purple coloring.
Below is a table that describes the look and taste of a few of these variants.
| Variety Name | Appearance | Taste |
| Cherokee Purple | Deep, dusky-rose color | Sweet, complex, smoky |
| Black Krim | Red, green, brown | Tart, smoky |
| Indigo Rose | Vibrant purple | Sweet-tart |
Now we know what they are, let’s learn about their history, what they look like and how they grow. This will help us better understand why they may be good for us and inform our decision regarding including them in our meals.
You might think that the high-tech-sounding “Indigo Rose” is the future of purple tomatoes. But purple tomatoes have been around for a long time, and many are called heirloom varieties, like the Cherokee Purple Tomato, that’s been around for over 100 years. Newer types of purple tomatoes are created using genetic modification to make visually pleasing tomatoes. These come with an added bonus of high anthocyanin content, which could boost our health.
Purple tomatoes show a mix of interesting traits depending on their type. These include:
I believe that purple tomatoes may offer valuable health benefits based on the studies I have come across. These tomatoes contain anthocyanins, which have been found to play a role in regulating the expression and secretion of inflammatory factors that may cause chronic inflammation. Thus, by consuming purple tomatoes, you may potentially support the management of chronic inflammation processes in the body as in cases of tumour cells.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Feel inspired to grow your own purple tomatoes? Here’s what you need to know:
The Indigo Rose variety deserves special attention as it is popular and grown widely. This variety grows best in pots or garden beds on tall, indeterminate vines. Here are some tips to successfully grow the Indigo Rose tomatoes:
Let’s look at a helpful table that shows the key aspects of growing your own purple tomatoes.
| Sigil Type | Description | Opposing Force |
| Growing Location | Full sunlight, good air circulation | Shaded, stagnant spots |
| Soil | Well-draining, slightly acidic | Poor drainage, overly alkaline |
| Water | Consistent, deep watering | Irregular moisture, wet leaves |
| Support | Staking or caging, tying vines | Unsupported, crowded growth |
I have observed through various studies that anthocyanins, which are present in foods like purple tomatoes may offer significant benefits for vision. They have been found to potentially relax ciliary smooth muscles, stimulate the regeneration of rhodopsin, inhibit eye elongation, enhance dark adaptation, and even improve retinal blood circulation.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
You might wonder if purple tomatoes really have any health benefits compared to the red ones, given their unique colour and claims of increased antioxidant content. Here are a few areas where purple tomatoes might be healthier:
Remember I mentioned anthocyanins earlier? These anthocyanins play a crucial role in painting these tomatoes purple and have many potential health benefits too:
Anthocyanins help curb the harm caused by free radicals, a type of unstable molecule causing cellular damage. Free-radicle induced damage may lead to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. By limiting this damage, antioxidants like anthocyanins promote our overall health.
Apart from being antioxidants, anthocyanins may also be anti-inflammatory, that is, they might also lessen inflammation. This can be useful in decreasing inflammation-linked conditions like arthritis, asthma, and obesity.
Due to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature, purple tomatoes might support heart health. Some studies suggest that foods rich in anthocyanin can help improve blood flow, lower the risk of blood clots and decrease blood pressure. This contributes to having a healthy heart.
More studies are needed to fully understand how anthocyanins fight cancer, but there’s evidence suggesting these compounds may help protect against cancer development and progression to some extent. In-vitro studies have shown that extracts of anthocyanin can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Animal studies have also indicated potential anti-cancer effects for a variety of cancers.
New research suggests that anthocyanins may also have an effect on the brain. They may protect against cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer’s. Early studies also indicate that diets rich in anthocyanin may enhance memory and learning abilities in both animals and humans. However, more studies are needed in this area.
In the next table, we outline the main health benefits of consuming purple tomatoes.
| Health Benefit | Supporting Evidence |
| Antioxidant Properties | Anthocyanins neutralize free radicals, reducing cellular damage |
| Anti-Inflammatory Effects | May help reduce inflammation-associated conditions |
| Cardiovascular Health | Studies suggest improved blood circulation, reduced blood clot risks, and lowered blood pressure |
| Cancer Prevention | In vitro and animal studies show potential anti-cancer effects |
| Neuroprotective Effects | Emerging research indicates potential protection against cognitive decline and neurodegeneration |
Purple tomatoes may hold significant health benefits. However, considering the potential health risks associated with their consumption is also essential. The main concerns involve allergies and dietary interactions.
Though rare, some individuals may be allergic to tomatoes, also the purple ones. Symptoms of a tomato allergy can include itching, swelling, hives, and issues related to digestion such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It is suggestible to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before adding purple tomatoes to your diet if you worry about a possible tomato allergy.
Tomatoes are rich in compounds named salicylates, found in many plants and some pain-relief medicines like aspirin. Those sensitive to salicylates or taking medicines that can interact with these compounds, might experience negative dietary effects when consuming purple tomatoes. Your doctor or healthcare provider may advise if you’re worried about possible interactions.
Here’s a table that provides a gist of the few health risks associated with eating purple tomatoes.
| Health Risk | Concerns |
| Allergies | Symptoms may include itching, swelling, hives, and gastrointestinal issues |
| Dietary Interactions | High salicylate content may lead to negative interactions for some individuals |
As mentioned before, newer types of purple tomatoes have been produced using genetic modification techniques. This raises concerns for some consumers. So let’s understand GMF basics and how these relate to purple tomatoes.
Genetically Modified Foods or GMFs have artificially altered or modified genetic material. These alterations result in plants more resistant to disease, pests, or harsh conditions. This can improve food security and farm yields.
Creating purple tomatoes through genetic modification techniques involved the insertion of snapdragon genes (a flower type) into the DNA of tomatoes. As a result, we have a purple tomato with enhanced levels of anthocyanin, resulting in the health advantages.
Many consumers feel anxious about GMFs because of possible health risks and environmental issues. However, regulatory agencies like the FDA, USDA, and the EPA ensure GMFs are safe to eat. There have been no reported health issues from consuming GMFs in the 20-25 years they’ve been in our food supply.
Research supports the safety of eating genetically modified foods. Despite consumer distrust, GMFs have shown their value in addressing sustainability, climate change, and dietary health. However, GMFs are not the solution for all farming challenges and should not be viewed as such.
Let’s have a look at this table summarizing concerns and evidence about GMFs.
| GMF Concerns | Explanation |
| Safety Concerns | Regulatory agencies ensure GMFs are safe for human consumption |
| Research Findings | Studies support the safety and benefits of GMFs for sustainability and dietary health |
| Balanced Perspective | GMFs are one tool in addressing agricultural challenges, but not a one-size-fits-all solution |
So will purple tomatoes be a healthy choice for your meals? Keep these factors in mind:
Whether or not purple tomatoes fit in your diet is ultimately your call. Remember to consider the potential health benefits and the possible risks.
Purple tomatoes are interesting not just for their unique color, but their potential health-boosting qualities owing to their anthocyanin content. As with any food choice, it is best to consider potential benefits and risks to make an informed decision. From the information gathered, purple tomatoes can be both a safe and nutritious addition to different types of diets, especially if you are looking to up your intake of antioxidants. So, why not give these colorful, tasty, and possibly health-promoting fruits a shot and see if they match your dietary wants and needs!
Yes, purple tomatoes often taste different. They usually have a richer, more layered flavour compared to traditional red tomatoes. Many love the perfect balance of sweet and sour tastes.
Yes, purple tomatoes are generally safe to eat. Many types offer unique health perks due to their anthocyanin content. However, always think about potential allergies or dietary interactions before starting to eat them.
The main difference between red and purple tomatoes is their anthocyanin content. This gives purple tomatoes their unique colour and possible health benefits.
Of course, purple tomatoes can be eaten raw! They’re great when eaten fresh, like other tomato types. Enjoy slicing them for salads, putting them in sandwiches, or just eating them straight off the vine! Make sure you wash them well before chopping.
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