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Are Tomatoes an Anti-Inflammatory Food? What Evidence Says
By Teemu Arina ·
Tomatoes can be part of an anti-inflammatory eating pattern, but evidence does not show they reliably reduce inflammation for everyone. For "are tomatoes an anti inflammatory food," the most accurate answer is that they contain compounds under study, but findings in people are mixed. Evidence also does not establish that tomatoes are inflammatory for everyone because they belong to the nightshade family.
Are tomatoes an anti inflammatory food?
Tomatoes contain lycopene and other plant compounds that may affect inflammation-related processes. However, effects seen in cells do not prove that eating tomatoes reduces inflammation in people, and human studies are limited.
A systematic review of circulating lycopene and inflammation assessed 35 human studies. Tomato or lycopene interventions often increased circulating lycopene, but almost no changes in inflammation markers were observed in most of the 17 intervention studies. The authors concluded there was little evidence that increasing tomato or lycopene intake reduces inflammation.
Individual results differ. One small trial in overweight and obese women found changes in some markers after daily tomato juice; another, in people with stage 1 hypertension, found no significant changes in most markers. These findings suggest possible effects in particular groups or circumstances, not a dependable effect for everyone. Overall eating patterns matter more than any single ingredient; see this practical guide to an anti-inflammatory diet.
What lycopene and other tomato compounds may do
Tomatoes contain lycopene, other carotenoids such as lutein, and polyphenols. These compounds have been studied for effects on oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, but much evidence comes from extracts or cells, not people eating ordinary portions.
A 2023 study tested tomato extract, lycopene and lutein in rat heart cells exposed to oxidative stress and persistent inflammation. The compounds showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects involving pathways linked to inflammation and cellular stress. The study of tomato carotenoids and cell pathways offers clues to possible mechanisms, not proof of a dietary treatment.
Tomato varieties also differ. A laboratory comparison found anti-inflammatory activity from extracts of several tangerine tomatoes. The paper notes that cis-isomers of lycopene in tangerine tomatoes had been shown in clinical trials to be more bioavailable than the all-trans lycopene in red tomatoes. The tangerine tomato study does not establish that one variety reduces inflammation more effectively in people. Similarly, purple tomatoes contain anthocyanins, but the review of anthocyanins in purple tomatoes discusses compounds under study rather than a proven effect on human inflammation.
At HOLOLIFE Summit 2025 Tokyo, Siim Land discussed turmeric as a supplement with anti-inflammatory evidence. That evidence concerns turmeric, not tomatoes; effects associated with one food or compound should not automatically be applied to another.
What studies say about tomatoes and inflammation markers
The illustration shows tomato juice beside test tubes with varied and unchanged liquid levels.
Inflammation is assessed through different markers, and a change in one does not mean all inflammation has changed. Human studies also use different participants and interventions, with mixed results.
In a 20-day trial, 106 overweight or obese female students were assigned tomato juice or water. Compared with the control group and baseline, the juice group had significant reductions in IL-8 and TNF-α. In subgroup results, IL-6 fell among participants with obesity, while the IL-8 and TNF-α effect was confined to those who were overweight. The study of tomato juice consumption and systemic inflammation suggests juice may affect some markers in some groups, but its short duration and specific participants limit how broadly the findings apply.
A separate randomised study compared standard tomato juice with polyphenol-enriched juice in people with stage 1 hypertension, with 13 participants in each group. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol fell significantly in the standard-juice group, but there were no significant differences in other assessed parameters, including CRP and oxidative-stress markers. The tomato juice comparison does not support a clear anti-inflammatory effect from either juice over the study period.
Are tomatoes inflammatory or anti inflammatory for everyone?
The evidence does not show that tomatoes are universally anti-inflammatory or universally inflammatory. Studies examine particular compounds, participants and markers; they do not settle how every person responds or establish that all nightshade foods cause inflammation.
If tomatoes seem to coincide with symptoms, note what was eaten, how much and what happened afterwards, then discuss persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified health professional. A person should not assume a food is harmful solely because it belongs to a particular plant family. A varied eating pattern is more useful than relying on one "anti-inflammatory" food. For factors beyond food, see this guide to anti-inflammatory lifestyle habits.
Do tomato juice and cooked tomatoes have the same benefits?
Evidence does not establish that juice, cooked tomatoes and fresh tomatoes have identical effects on inflammation. The human trials cited here tested juice; cell and laboratory studies tested extracts or isolated compounds, not everyday preparations.
The 20-day juice trial found changes in some markers, while the small hypertension study found no significant changes in most measured markers. Neither compared juice with fresh or cooked tomatoes. The systematic review found that most tomato or lycopene interventions made little difference to markers, not that one preparation was best.
How to include tomatoes in a balanced eating pattern
Tomatoes can be eaten fresh, cooked or as juice. Evidence does not identify a specific variety or preparation as a reliable way to lower inflammation, so there is no need to seek a special product for that purpose.
Include tomatoes as one part of a varied diet rather than making them the centre of an inflammation strategy. If someone notices a repeatable reaction, they can keep a simple food-and-symptom record and seek individual advice. For ideas on a broader pattern, read the anti-inflammatory diet guide.
The HOLOLIFE Summit 2026 Amsterdam takes place on 14th–15th November 2026.
FAQ
Are tomatoes good for inflammation?
Tomatoes contain lycopene and other compounds with anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory research. Human findings are mixed, so they are part of a balanced diet but not a proven way to reduce inflammation.
Do tomatoes reduce inflammation?
The 20-day tomato juice trial found reductions in some markers among overweight and obese women who drank tomato juice. However, the systematic review found almost no changes in most intervention studies.
Are cherry tomatoes anti inflammatory?
The cited studies do not specifically test cherry tomatoes in people. They examine tomato compounds, extracts or juice, so a distinct effect from cherry tomatoes cannot be concluded.
Is tomato juice anti inflammatory?
The 20-day trial found reductions in some markers in a specific group, while the study in people with stage 1 hypertension found no significant differences in most measured markers. Tomato juice is not a dependable treatment for inflammation.
Should someone avoid tomatoes if they have inflammation?
The evidence does not show that everyone with inflammation needs to avoid tomatoes. If someone notices a consistent reaction, they should record it and discuss it with a health professional.
Sources
Papers
- The Role of Circulating Lycopene in Low-Grade Chronic Inflammation: A Systematic Review of the Literature
- The Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Main Carotenoids from Tomatoes via Nrf2 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways
- Screening of In Vitro Health Benefits of Tangerine Tomatoes
- Anthocyanins from Purple Tomatoes as Novel Antioxidants to Promote Human Health
- Tomato juice consumption reduces systemic inflammation in overweight and obese females
- Comparison of Polyphenol-Enriched Tomato Juice and Standard Tomato Juice for Cardiovascular Benefits in Subjects with Stage 1 Hypertension
Talk
- Talk: "The New Science of Supplements", Siim Land, HOLOLIFE Summit 2025 Tokyo
This article is for general information and is not medical advice.
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