Tomatoes, Lycopersicon esculentum, are probably the most popular ”vegetable” grown worldwide. Botanically they are fruits, not vegetables and belong to the nightshade family. Tomatoes are very low in calories (17 kcal /100g), and therefore an ideal food for weight reducing diets.
Loaded with antioxidants and high in potassium, tomatoes are one of the healthiest "vegetables" around. The tomato's possible cancer-fighting ability has been associated with the antioxidant lycopene, a carotenoid that gives the tomato its red color. Tomatoes are also a good source of potassium, vitamin C and folic acid.