Tomatoes, although considered a fruit, are treated and cooked as a vegetable and form as a staple in many of our diets. Thet can be eaten in so many ways.
Prepared fresh from the fridge and served with a salad, roasted and served as a side dish, blitzed into a soup or pasta sauce, or added as an additional ingredient for many dishes. They are so versatile which is why many of us like to use them in our cooking.
However, there are many health and nutritional benefits of tomatoes that you may not have been aware of. With that in mind, here is a little more information that may encourage you to not only enjoy your tomatoes but include them more often in your cooking and as part of your meal.
What are the nutritional facts that you need to know
A good source of fibre
Tomatoes are seen as being a good source of fibre. They provide around 1.5 grams of fibre per average-sized tomato.
Low in carbohydrates
They are also very low in carbohydrates. Making them a great option if you are watching what you eat. The carbohydrate content equates to around 4% which is fewer than 5 grams. Of which 70% of those carbohydrates are sugars such as glucose and fructose.
A great source of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of those vitamins that many of us would like to increase more. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient and antioxidant in our diets. It can also help against fighting illnesses such as the common cold.
One medium-sized tomato can give you approximately 28% of the recommended intake of Vitamin C per day. So a couple of tomatoes in a recipe and you could easily be having half your vitamin c requirements.
Other vitamins found in tomatoes
There are other vitamins that can be found in tomatoes that are all essential nutrients we need as part of our diets. This includes potassium which is beneficial for blood pressure control and heart disease prevention.
You will also find Folate, which is essential especially for pregnant women. Finally, Vitamin K1 is a great way to help prevent things such as blood clotting.
What are the health benefits of tomatoes you need to know
Heart health
There is no denying that heart disease and heart issues generally can be the biggest cause of death. This includes heart attacks and strokes.
As there are essential vitamins and nutrients within tomatoes that are proven to help prevent blood clots and other heart issues, it can improve your chances of avoiding heart issues and improve your heart health overall.
Cancer prevention
Cancer is another common issue that many people have either experienced or know someone who has. Cancer is the growth of abnormal cells within your body and can attack any organ or part of your body.
There have been studies that have shown an increased tomato intake can prevent fewer incidents of prostate, lung, breast, and stomach cancers, and the studies continue to be observed.
Good for the skin
It has been said that a good amount of tomatoes in your diet can help you to avoid skin issues such as sunburn. They can also improve the condition of your skin thanks to the antioxidants within them.
Hopefully, this will help you to be more aware of the health and nutritional benefits of tomatoes.
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