When it comes to calories and nutrition, tomatoes are a great option. A medium-sized tomato has only about 22 calories and is a good source of carotenoids lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamins A and C. Tomatoes are also a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a variety of health benefits. However, studies show that tomatoes are also a rich source of other nutrients, including potassium, folate, and vitamins E and K. Studies have also found that tomatoes contain high levels of phytonutrients, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, which have been linked to a number of health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, obesity, and heart disease.
Research conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Nottingham in the UK, found that a compound found in tomatoes could help reduce the amount of fat stored in the body. The compound, known as 9-oxo-octadecadienoic acid (9-oxo-ODA), was found to stop the body from absorbing fat and to increase the amount of fat that was burned. The study was conducted on rats, and the scientists say that the findings could be applicable to humans.
Tomatoes are a very versatile fruit and can be used in many different ways. They can be eaten fresh, canned, or juiced and can also be used as an ingredient in many different dishes.
What nutritional values do tomatoes have?
The nutrient value of 100 g of tomatoes according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is as follows:
Water: 94.5 g
Energy: 18 kcal
Carbohydrate: 3.89 g
Fibre: 1.2 g
Sugars: 2.63 g
Calcium: 10 mg
Iron: 0.27 mg
Magnesium: 11 mg
Phosphorous: 24 mg
Potassium: 237 mg
Sodium: 5 mg
Vitamin C: 13.7 mg
What are some health benefits of tomatoes?
1. Good source of vitamins and minerals
Tomatoes are a good source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K and minerals such as potassium and manganese. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, a phytonutrient that has been linked to several health benefits.
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of some chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. They are the best source of lycopene, and cooking them can increase the amount of this nutrient that your body can absorb. The health benefits of tomatoes are because of the many different nutrients they contain. These nutrients work together to promote overall health and protect against disease.
2. Can help improve heart health
There are many beneficial compounds in tomatoes that have been linked with preventing metabolic syndrome. These include lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamins C and E. These nutrients are thought to help lower blood pressure, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation. Lycopene has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease. The potassium in tomatoes can also help regulate blood pressure.
3. May boost immune system function
Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system, and tomatoes are a great source of this nutrient. Lycopene has also been shown to increase the activity of certain immune cells.
4. May help protect against certain types of cancer
Lycopene present in tomatoes has been shown to reduce the risk of various types of cancer, including prostate, breast, and stomach cancer.
5. Improve skin health
The antioxidants in tomatoes can help protect the skin from damage caused by the sun and pollution. Lycopene has also been shown to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
6. May prevent type 2 diabetes
One way that tomatoes may prevent type 2 diabetes is by improving insulin sensitivity. Tomatoes are a good source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. Another way that tomatoes may prevent type 2 diabetes is by helping regulate blood sugar levels. They are a good source of phytochemical chromium, which has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels.
What could be the risks of consuming tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a healthy and delicious addition to any diet, but there are a few risks to be aware of when consuming them.
For one, tomatoes contain a compound called solanine, which can be toxic in high quantities. While solanine poisoning is rare, it can cause gastrointestinal distress, headaches, and even paralysis. The high potassium content in tomatoes may cause some issues for people with kidney problems.
Another risk to consider is food poisoning. Tomatoes can harbour harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, so it is important to wash them thoroughly before eating. Additionally, the acidic nature of tomatoes can be a disadvantage when cooking as it can make them harder to cook evenly. The acidity can also cause problems for people with stomach conditions such as ulcers.
Finally, those with certain medical conditions may need to avoid tomatoes. For example, people with acid reflux may find that tomatoes aggravate their condition and those with allergies to nightshade plants may also have a reaction to tomatoes.
Overall, tomatoes are safe to eat for most people. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks before consuming them.
Some tips for the consumption of tomatoes
Tomatoes are a delicious and healthy fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are some tips on how to enjoy tomatoes:
1. Eat them raw: Tomatoes are a great snack on their own or added to a salad.
2. Cook them: Tomatoes can be cooked in many different ways and are a great addition to pasta dishes, pizzas, and stews.
3. Preserve them: They can be preserved by canning or freezing them. This way, you can enjoy them all year round.
4. Make tomato sauce: Tomato sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used on pasta and pizzas or as a dip.
5. Add them to your favourite recipes: Tomatoes can be added to many different recipes to add flavour and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Is it healthy to eat a tomato every day?
Yes, it is okay to eat tomatoes every day. There are many health benefits associated with tomatoes, including tomatoes being a good source of lycopene, which is an antioxidant that can help protect against cancer.
Are tomatoes healthier cooked or raw?
There are different opinions on whether tomatoes are healthier cooked or raw. Some say that cooking tomatoes can make them easier to digest and also increase their lycopene content. However, other studies have found that lycopene is more bioavailable from raw tomatoes. This means that your body can absorb more lycopene from a raw tomato than from a cooked one. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether they prefer to eat their tomatoes cooked or raw.
Why shouldn't you eat tomatoes before bed?
There are a few scientific reasons why you shouldn't eat tomatoes before bedtime. Tomatoes are a source of the amino acid tryptophan, which is a precursor to the hormone serotonin. Serotonin is a relaxant and can cause drowsiness. Tomatoes also contain the compound lycopene, which has been shown to have sedative effects in animals.
What is the healthiest way to eat tomatoes?
People have different opinions on what is considered to be the healthiest way to eat tomatoes. Some people might say that the healthiest way to eat tomatoes is to eat them raw as this retains the most nutrients. Others might say that the healthiest way to eat tomatoes is to cook them as this can make them easier to digest and also help release some of the nutrients.
