The results from our latest study entitled “Tomatoes consumed in-season prevent oxidative stress in Fischer 344 rats: impact of geographical origin”, seems to indicate this. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of tomatoes consumed in-season from two different geographical origins (local LT or non-local NLT) in Fischer 344 rats.

The results found reveal that LT and NLT have a specific phenolic signature and that each tomato gives a particular response towards the antioxidant and oxidative biomarkers evaluated, which in turn showed a photoperiod-dependent effect. Remarkably, when tomatoes were consumed in-season they enhanced or sustained antioxidant biomarkers, thus producing an optimal metabolic response by preventing oxidative stress. However, the consumption of tomatoes out-of-season could lead to erroneous signaling. It is noteworthy that the protective effect of tomatoes against oxidative stress depends on the geographical origin of the crop. Therefore, tomatoes consumed in-season may improve health by preventing oxidative stress.

Available at https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/fo/d1fo00955a