Tomatoes: Nutritional Facts And Health Benefits

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Video: Tomatoes: Nutritional Facts And Health Benefits

Video: Tomatoes: Nutritional Facts And Health Benefits
Video: Nutrition, Facts and Health Benefits of Tomato 2024, December
Tomatoes: Nutritional Facts And Health Benefits
Tomatoes: Nutritional Facts And Health Benefits
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The scientific name of tomatoes is Solanum lycopersicum, and their homeland is South America. Although technically a fruit, tomatoes are usually categorized as vegetables.

Tomatoes are the main dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.

They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folic acid and vitamin K.

Tomatoes are usually red when ripe, but can come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, green, and purple. There are many subspecies of tomatoes that have different shapes and tastes.

Nutritional information about tomatoes:

The water composition in tomatoes is about 95%. The other 5% consists mainly of carbohydrates and fiber.

One (123 g) medium tomato contains only 22 calories.

The table below provides detailed information on the nutrients contained in tomatoes.

Tomatoes: Nutritional facts and health benefits
Tomatoes: Nutritional facts and health benefits

For 100 g of ripe tomatoes:

calories - 18

Water - 95%

Protein - 0.9 g

Carbohydrates - 3.9 g

Sugar -2.6 g

Fiber -1.2 g

Fat - 0.2 g

Saturated acids -0.03 g

Monounsaturated acids - 0.03 g

Polyunsaturated acids -0.08 g

Omega-3.0 g

Omega-6 - 0.08 g

Trans fat ~

Carbohydrates in tomatoes

Carbohydrates make up 4% of raw tomatoes, which is less than 5 g of carbohydrates for medium-sized tomatoes (123 g). Ordinary sugars such as glucose and fructose make up almost 70% of the carbohydrate content.

Fibers in tomatoes

Tomatoes are a good source of fiber, providing about 1.5 grams for medium-sized tomatoes. Most of the fiber (87%) in tomatoes is insoluble in the form of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin.

Tomatoes are a good source of several vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin C: Essential nutrient and antioxidant. An average tomato can provide about 28% of the recommended daily intake.

Tomatoes: Nutritional facts and health benefits
Tomatoes: Nutritional facts and health benefits

Potassium: An essential mineral useful for controlling blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin K1: Also known as phylloquinone, vitamin K is important for blood coagulation and bone health.

Folic acid (B9): One of the B vitamins that is important for normal tissue growth and cell function. This is especially important for pregnant women.

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