Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a commonly eaten fruit that grows on a vine. It contains many nutrients, including an antioxidant called lycopene.

The lycopene in tomato is thought to play a role in preventing cancer. It's easier for the body to use lycopene that comes from tomato products, such as tomato paste or tomato juice, than from fresh tomatoes.

People use tomato for cancer prevention, diabetes, high blood pressure heart disease, osteoarthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse tomato with lycopene, the antioxidant found in tomatoes.