Tomatoes are a favorite vegetable for many people, and they make a refreshing addition to any salad or sandwich. But just how nutritious are tomatoes? The nutritional value of tomatoes is often overlooked, but there are many reasons why it’s a fruit and vegetable worth getting to know. The following are some nutritional benefits of Tomatoes:
1. Provides a range of nutrients.
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and carotenoids and a good source of many other nutrients, including vitamin B6, folate, choline, and potassium.
2. Full of antioxidant phytochemicals
The nutrients in tomatoes include not only vitamins but also phytochemicals. Tomatoes are especially rich in the antioxidant lycopene, which is responsible for the red color of cooked or processed tomatoes. Lycopene is not the only antioxidant in tomatoes—vitamin C and lycopene are found in many other fruits and vegetables. Other phytochemicals, such as carotenoids, are also present in tomatoes.
3. High levels of fiber
Tomatoes contain a large amount of dietary fiber – 100 grams of tomato pulp may contain up to 12 grams of dietary fiber. The benefits of high-fiber foods are clear: they help control hunger and may even help lower cholesterol levels. Since tomatoes are a fruit and vegetable, people can incorporate them into their regular diet as part of a healthy eating plan.
4. They are low in calorie
Tomatoes are low in calories – 100 grams of tomato contain about 18 calories. They can be a part of many healthy dishes, such as tomato sauce for pasta or pizza, soups, and salads. Since they are rich in vitamins and other nutrients, they don’t need to be eaten in large amounts to get the benefits.
5. A good source of the calcium required by the body.
Tomatoes contain small amounts of calcium, but a large percentage of their calcium is located in the skins. This means that some people can still benefit from eating tomatoes even if they don’t consume dairy products or other foods high in calcium.
